California Governor Expected to Sign Landmark AI Transparency and Social Media Censorship Bills

California Governor Gavin Newsom is poised to sign significant legislation shaping the digital landscape in the state, including Senate Bill 771 and Senate Bill 53. SB 771 targets social media platforms by imposing fines up to $1 million for failing to remove content that violates state civil rights laws, particularly through their algorithms, raising concerns about potential over-censorship and challenges related to First Amendment protections. Meanwhile, SB 53, championed by state Senator Scott Wiener, represents the first state-level regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, requiring AI companies to disclose safety protocols, report major incidents, and establish whistleblower protections, marking California as a leader in AI governance amid growing industry and public concern over AI risks. Newsom emphasized California's responsibility to balance innovation with accountability, highlighting collaboration with academic and industry experts to craft a bill that does not simply submit to industry pressures. These legislative efforts reflect California's proactive stance on addressing the societal impacts of emerging technologies, despite debates over the scope and implications of such regulations.