Social media content creators in California may now be prosecuted for failing to identify paid political advertisements on the internet. Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law Saturday that allows regulators to levy $5,000 fines per post for these violations, which can also be referred to law enforcement as potential misdemeanors. The legislation establishes the first penalties for a disclosure requirement that has been in place since 2023.

The influencer bill is one of 13 laws Newsom signed to protect election systems and the chain of custody for ballots before the November vote. Additional measures force companies to disclose the use of artificial intelligence in advertising and create felony penalties for interfering with voting equipment or seizing ballots. Newsom stated the safeguards are necessary to defend against attempts to undermine free and fair elections.