California law sets $5,000 fines for undisclosed political influencer ads

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation adding new penalties for online influencers who are paid to post about politics.

Under AB 1130, regulators can fine influencers up to $5,000 for each violation. They can also refer influencers to law enforcement for potential misdemeanors. The New York Times reports that California already required disclosure for influencers posting about state or local races, but the previous rules did not include fines or criminal penalties when someone failed to disclose a payment.

The legislation follows a campaign by billionaire Tom Steyer, who unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for California governor earlier this year. According to The New York Times, Steyer paid dozens of influencers to post about his campaign online, and many did not initially disclose the payments.

Texas also requires disclosure for paid political content, while other states are considering similar regulations. Newsom signed AB 1130 as part of a broader package of bills that his office said would protect against potential election interference from President Donald Trump.

Democratic Assemblyman Marc Berman, the bill’s sponsor, said he introduced it after seeing “a bit of ambiguity” about the existing law and how it was enforced.