CAL.Regulation
California expands postsecondary sexual-harassment definitions to cover sextortion and deepfakes
Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2212 on September 20, 2026, adding Education Code section 66262.5 on sexual harassment in postsecondary education. The law defines affirmative consent, sextortion, digitized sexually explicit material, sexual exploitation, sexual violence, and technology-facilitated sexual harassment, and states that sexual harassment of students is a form of sex discrimination. The section becomes operative August 1, 2027.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) →
Key points
- AB 2212 became Chapter 388, Statutes of 2026, approved September 20, 2026; the new section becomes operative August 1, 2027.California Legislative InformationCalifornia Legislative Information
- "Sextortion" means a threat to use sexual or intimate images or videos to compel production of images, sexual acts, or anything of value.California Legislative Information
- "Digitized sexually explicit material" covers images created or substantially altered through digitization showing individuals in sexual conduct.California Legislative Information
- Sexual exploitation includes nonconsensual recording, distribution of intimate images, and creation of digitized explicit materials.California Legislative Information
- Technology-facilitated sexual harassment means sexual harassment occurring on, or facilitated by, digital platforms.California Legislative Information