CAL.Regulation
California narrows election deepfake ban to 30 days before a vote and lets depicted people sue
AB 502, approved September 19, 2026, as Chapter 333, amends Elections Code section 20012. Knowingly distributing materially deceptive content about candidates, elections officials or voting equipment with malice is prohibited within 30 days before an election, replacing the prior 120-day window, and through 38 days after for officials and equipment. The person depicted, rather than any recipient, may seek an injunction and damages. The urgency statute took effect on signing.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) →
Key points
- AB 502 amends Elections Code Section 20012; approved September 19, 2026, as Chapter 333 of the Statutes of 2026California Legislative Information
- The 30-day window replaces the 120-day pre-election period in prior law; the standard is content material to voters or election confidence.California Legislative Information
- The ban applies 30 days before an election, extending to 38 days after for elections officials and voting equipment contentCalifornia Legislative Information
- Depicted individuals may seek injunctive relief and damages; courts award prevailing plaintiffs attorney's fees and costsCalifornia Legislative Information
- The urgency statute took effect September 19, 2026California Legislative Information
Sources2 articles across 1 outlet
California Legislative Information
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RegulationCal.AB 502 (Pellerin) - Elections: deceptive media in advertisements (2026)ElectionsRegulatoryTechnologyFor governance