In a landmark move to combat the spread of misinformation and protect the integrity of digital content, California has passed a new media law banning the creation and dissemination of deepfake content. The law, officially known as the Digital Content Authenticity Act, was signed into effect by Governor Michael Thompson on February 19, 2026.Deepfake technology has been a growing concern in recent years, allowing individuals to create highly realistic but false content by superimposing images or videos onto other footage. This technology has been used to create fake news stories, misleading political ads, and even revenge porn. With the rise of social media and the fast-paced nature of digital information, deepfake content has become increasingly difficult to detect and control.Under the new law, any individual or organization found to be producing or distributing deepfake content with the intent to deceive or mislead the public will face criminal charges and penalties. The law also requires social media platforms and digital content providers to implement measures to detect and remove deepfake content from their platforms.Governor Thompson emphasized the importance of the new law in maintaining trust and authenticity in digital content. "In a world where information is constantly being manipulated and distorted, it is crucial that we take proactive steps to ensure the integrity of digital media," he said in a statement.The Digital Content Authenticity Act has received widespread support from both lawmakers and technology experts. According to a recent survey, 86% of Californians believe that deepfake content poses a serious threat to society, with 73% supporting legislative action to address the issue.With the passage of the new law, California has set a precedent for other states to follow in regulating deepfake technology and protecting the public from the harmful effects of manipulated digital content. The law is set to go into effect on July 1, 2026, giving individuals and organizations time to adjust their practices and policies to comply with the new regulations.