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AB 686CALIFORNIASession 20252026

California extends ban on deceptive AI-generated campaign media through 2031

Original title: Elections: deceptive audio or visual media.

August 30, 2026

Elections Digital Media Campaign Law Privacy deceptiveaudioorvisualmedia

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Where This Stands

Currently Unknown. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Introduced.

Last action

Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator Laird.Sep 4, 2025

Version history & redline

2 versions on file

Official version history is partial: 2 linked texts are unavailable or incomplete. Source links remain available below.

Comparing AB686 → 02/14/25 - Introduced

removed addedOfficial text

The text diff for this stage has not been computed yet.

OpenStates mirror retained for redline only; official linked text was unavailable

Redline computed from the official version text (record lane).View this version →

The Frame

What this does

This extension ensures that candidates retain the legal right to challenge and seek damages for AI-manipulated content during election cycles for an additional four years beyond the current 2027 expiration date.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

political candidates

Candidates gain the continued legal right to seek damages and injunctions against deceptive media through 2031.

voters

Voters are the intended recipients of protections against deceptive campaign materials that could influence their voting decisions.

What changed

Last recorded activity August 30, 2026.

What's next

Introduced.

Summary

AB 686 extends the existing prohibition on distributing materially deceptive audio or visual media of political candidates until January 1, 2031. This law allows candidates to sue for damages and seek court orders to stop the distribution of manipulated media intended to deceive voters or harm a candidate's reputation.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as 'deceptive' media under this law?

Media that is materially deceptive, involves a candidate's voice or likeness, and is distributed with the intent to deceive voters or harm a candidate's reputation within 60 days of an election.

Can I still share manipulated media if I label it?

Yes, the law provides an exemption for media that includes a disclosure stating that the content has been manipulated.

What can a candidate do if they are the subject of a deepfake?

They can seek an injunction to stop the distribution of the media and file a lawsuit for general or special damages.

Why It Matters

News Coverage

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Related Legislation

State Bill