REGULATING AI IN AN AGE OF MISINFORMATION:AN EXAMINATION OF CALIFORNIA’S LEGISLATIVE LANDSCAPE

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to seek clarity on the landscape of California’s legislation concerning AI and whether or not it fulfills the role expected of it, specifically with regards to combating misinformation and disinformation, and to share findings on what is being done well, what could be improved, and how California’s legislative activity can be considered as an example of AI regulation for other governments and any other entities seeking to manage AI usage. Through subject matter interviews and subsequent qualitative content analysis of the interviews and of relevant legislation, supplemented by current events reporting from news media sources, this project discusses legislative approaches adopted by recent proposed and passed California bills, which have each had varying levels of success. Ultimately, cooperation between government, private industry and the general public is identified as likely critical for long-lasting progress in this area, where overall success may rely much more on efforts outside of government than inside it.