CA AB2839

Prohibits knowingly distributing advertisements or election communications containing materially deceptive content (including deepfakes) with malice during the 120 days before any California election, with extended protection for election officials and voting equipment through 60 days after the election.

Requires disclosures stating "This [image/audio/video] has been manipulated" for candidates who create manipulated content about themselves, with specific formatting requirements for visibility and duration depending on media type.

Allows satire and parody exemptions if accompanied by a disclosure stating the content "has been manipulated for purposes of satire or parody."

Authorizes recipients, participating candidates or committees, and elections officials to file civil lawsuits seeking injunctive relief and damages against violators, with courts required to give these cases calendar precedence; exempts broadcasting stations and news outlets under certain conditions.

Takes effect immediately as an urgency statute to address disinformation in the 2024 election cycle, particularly concerning AI-generated deepfakes and manipulated media.