From TechCrunch · Anthony Ha · · 1m 20s
California cracks down on undisclosed political ads by influencers
New law lets regulators fine influencers up to $5,000 per violation for failing to disclose paid political posts.
In brief
New law lets regulators fine influencers up to $5,000 per violation for failing to disclose paid political posts. California is adding real penalties to political ad disclosure rules for influencers, moving beyond requirements that had no enforcement teeth. Originally reported by TechCrunch.
California tightens influencer ad rules
Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1130, which lets regulators fine influencers up to $5,000 per violation for failing to disclose paid political posts.
Old law had no real penalties
California already required disclosure for paid posts about state and local races, but violations carried no fines or criminal penalties, making the rule easy to ignore.
Tom Steyer's campaign exposed the gap
Billionaire Tom Steyer paid dozens of influencers to post about his failed 2026 California gubernatorial campaign, and many didn't initially disclose the payments.
New penalties include criminal referrals
Regulators can now fine influencers $5,000 per violation and refer them to law enforcement for potential misdemeanor charges.
Part of broader election protection push
Newsom signed the bill as part of a package aimed at protecting against potential election interference from President Donald Trump.
Sponsor cites enforcement confusion
Democratic Assemblyman Marc Berman introduced the bill after recognizing ambiguity in how the existing disclosure law was enforced.
“a bit of ambiguity about the [existing] law and how it's enforced”
The main idea
California is adding real penalties to political ad disclosure rules for influencers, moving beyond requirements that had no enforcement teeth.
