California Lawmakers Consider Restricting Artificial Intelligence

One new bill requires disclosure if AI is used in making political ads. The other ensures community college instructors won’t be replaced by AI.

"Its effect on democracy requires us to act,” Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo said of artificial intelligence. Above, Ms. Carrillo at a women's march in Pershing Square in Los Angeles on Oct. 02, 2021. Amy Sussman/Getty Images

The rise of artificial intelligence has sparked concerns among California lawmakers about its use in political advertisements and college classrooms, prompting calls for tighter restrictions on the emerging technology.

Assembly Bill 2355 seeks to mandate public disclosure of the use of AI in political advertisements if the technology is used to alter images, voices, or film from their original state.