Court Blocks California Law Restricting Deepfakes, Elon Musk Applauds Decision

A federal judge has halted the enforcement of a California law aimed at curbing the use of deepfakes in political advertisements. The law, signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, sought to restrict the creation and distribution of digitally manipulated content related to elections. However, Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez deemed the law to be a “blunt tool” that impeded freedom of expression and hindered the exchange of ideas.

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Inc. and owner of X, took to social media platform X to express his support for the court’s decision. Musk had previously criticized Newsom’s law, arguing that it infringed on his freedom of speech. This court ruling can be seen as a victory for Musk in his ongoing dispute with Newsom.

The lawsuit against the state was filed by Chris Kohls, a social media influencer known as “Mr Reagan,” who sought to prevent the law’s enforcement. Kohls cited First Amendment protections for a parody video he had posted. Kohls’ attorney, Theodore Frank, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision.

Newsom’s spokesperson, Izzy Gardon, expressed confidence that California’s ability to regulate deepfakes would ultimately be upheld by the courts. Gardon argued that the law was in line with similar measures passed in other states.

The court’s decision comes amidst an escalating feud between Musk and Newsom. The dispute began when Newsom signed the stringent law banning political deepfakes. Musk accused Newsom of attempting to outlaw parody, while Newsom clarified that the laws targeted deepfakes and election manipulation. Musk dismissed Newsom’s legal threats as “amazing” on social media.

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