Partner AJ Thomas Weighs in on New California Bill Criminalizing “Deepfake” Technology

Jenner & Block Partner ​Andrew J. Thomas is quoted in an IP Watchdog published article about a proposed California bill aimed at curbing the proliferation of "deepfake" technology, which is a software used to create fake portrayals of celebrities to fool people into believing fake and doctored images.  The article reports on a bill recently introduced into the California State Legislature to criminalize and address the serious issues of people using deepfakes as weapons to demonize individuals, often for political and sexual revenge.  However, the author also notes the challenges of combating altered images in an era where technology has progressed more rapidly than the law; with the biggest challenge being defining and protecting free speech.  "It is important that the law addressing deepfakes be narrowly drafted to ensure that First Amendment rights to comment on or criticize public figures are not restricted," AJ explains.  "The bill criminalizes conduct that is deceptive, regardless of whether it is used in an effort to defraud," he says, adding that "merely causing embarrassment has never been a crime or even a tort."
 

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© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.

Partner AJ Thomas Weighs in on New California Bill Criminalizing “Deepfake” Technology

Jenner & Block Partner ​Andrew J. Thomas is quoted in an IP Watchdog published article about a proposed California bill aimed at curbing the proliferation of "deepfake" technology, which is a software used to create fake portrayals of celebrities to fool people into believing fake and doctored images.  The article reports on a bill recently introduced into the California State Legislature to criminalize and address the serious issues of people using deepfakes as weapons to demonize individuals, often for political and sexual revenge.  However, the author also notes the challenges of combating altered images in an era where technology has progressed more rapidly than the law; with the biggest challenge being defining and protecting free speech.  "It is important that the law addressing deepfakes be narrowly drafted to ensure that First Amendment rights to comment on or criticize public figures are not restricted," AJ explains.  "The bill criminalizes conduct that is deceptive, regardless of whether it is used in an effort to defraud," he says, adding that "merely causing embarrassment has never been a crime or even a tort."
 

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© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.

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Associate Steven Arango to Speak at the Veterans' Legal Career Fair

On September 18, Associate Steven Arango will speak on a panel at the Veterans' Legal Career Fair (VLCF), the only legal career fair in the United States dedicated to veterans, active-duty service members, and military spouses.

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In Law360, Trump Debarment Threat Calls for Targeted Defense Plan

Partners Ashley Callen and David Robbins authored an article for Law360 examining how entities should respond when suspension or debarment is threatened directly by the president, rather than initiated through the usual agency-driven process.

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