California to Fine Creators $5,000 per Post for Hidden Political Ads
California (discover more) has introduced a new law (AB 1130) that imposes a fine of $5,000 per post on creators who fail to disclose paid political content. Previously, since 2023, California required such disclosures but lacked enforcement powers.
Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law on Saturday, following reports of influencers being paid quietly by campaigns. The legislation gives the Fair Political Practices Commission the authority to impose administrative, civil, or criminal penalties for non-disclosure.
What the Law Covers
The law specifically targets individuals paid by a campaign committee to post political content online, supporting or opposing a candidate or measure. It applies when these creators omit the required disclaimer stating they were compensated. Unpaid creators expressing their own opinions are not included.
The Campaign That Prompted It
Assemblyman Marc Berman introduced the bill after The New York Times reported on money reaching influencers during California's governor primary. Politicians, including billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer, were found to have paid creators for favourable content without proper disclosure.
Multiple complaints led to investigations by the Fair Political Practices Commission. While some claims against Steyer's campaign were deemed valid, the commission found that he had properly notified influencers and reminded them when disclosures were lacking.
A Package of Elections and Social Media Bills
AB 1130 was one of thirteen bills signed into law by Newsom at the Democracy Center in Los Angeles. The package aimed to protect against federal interference in elections and included measures relating to synthetic media.