Gov. Newsom’s lame excuses for banning AI-generated parody

On Wednesday, Gavin Newsom theatrically signed three bills. One, AB 2839, allows virtually anyone to sue those who post parody videos, images, and memes of politicians running for office—when they’re with artificial intelligence (AI). Another, AB 2655, will soon browbeat large online platforms into taking down videos that don’t satisfy California’s requirements—or else face penalties themselves. We at the Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute (HLLI) tracked these appalling bills ever since Gov.…

Frank Bednarz
September 20, 2024
Blog

AP: California laws cracking down on election deepfakes by AI face legal challenges

“I’m not familiar with the Alabama law. On the other hand, the governor of Alabama had hasn’t threatened our client the way the governor of California did,” HLLI Director Ted Frank told The Associated Press.

admin
September 19, 2024
Press Highlights

SF Chronicle: California law banning election deepfakes draws conservative challenge hours after being signed

Coverage of HLLI's suit on behalf of Christopher Kohls, the person behind the “Mr Reagan,” YouTube and X accounts, who challenges the constitutionality of two bills that Gov. Gavin Newsom says outlaw “Mr Reagan” parody content illegal.

admin
September 18, 2024
Press Highlights

HLLI Sues California to Protect Free Speech Rights of “Mr Reagan,” Creator of Viral Kamala Harris Satire Video

The Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute (HLLI), a public interest law firm, is suing California officials on behalf of “Mr Reagan,” a YouTuber who creates political satire videos.

admin
September 18, 2024
Press Releases

Kohls v. Bonta

HLLI filed a lawsuit on behalf of Christopher Kohls, known as “Mr. Reagan,” the creator satirical political videos, including one called out by Gov. Gavin Newsom as being “illegal” under the bills he signed on September 17, 2024.

admin
September 17, 2024
Open Cases