Key facts
- California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation, AB 1130, enhancing disclosure requirements for paid political advertisements by online influencers.
- Regulators can impose fines of up to $5,000 for each violation of the new disclosure law.
- Non-compliant influencers may be referred to law enforcement for potential misdemeanor charges.
- The law addresses ambiguity in existing regulations regarding the enforcement of paid political content disclosure.
- Billionaire Tom Steyer's campaign previously paid influencers who did not initially disclose the payments.
California has enacted new legislation, AB 1130, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, that strengthens disclosure requirements for online influencers paid to promote political content. Previously, while disclosure was required for state or local political races, there were no penalties for non-compliance. The new law allows regulators to levy fines of up to $5,000 for each violation and can refer cases to law enforcement for potential misdemeanor charges. Democratic Assemblyman Marc Berman introduced the bill to address ambiguities in the existing law and its enforcement. The legislation comes as part of a broader package aimed at protecting against election interference. Billionaire Tom Steyer's past campaign reportedly utilized influencers who did not initially disclose their paid posts.