Becker bill targets AI deepfakes, would require removal of harmful digital replicas

by Nicole Tingson, Bay City News February 24, 2026February 23, 2026

FILE: Fictitious images created with the use of artificial intelligence show a skirmish with Donald Trump and New York City police officers posted on Thursday, March 23, 2023. The highly detailed, sensational images, known as deepfakes, are becoming easier to make and harder to detect as AI software becomes more sophisticated. A bill introduced by state Sen. Josh Becker aims for better regulation under California law. (AP Photo/J. David Ake)

State Sen. Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) has introduced legislation aimed at curbing the misuse of artificial intelligence to create harmful digital replicas of real people.

Senate Bill 1142, also known as the Digital Dignity Act, would strengthen penalties for defamation and false impersonation involving AI-generated images, video or audio, according to a news release.

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