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From Politico: The creator of a video that used artificial intelligence to imitate Kamala Harris is suing the state of California after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed laws restricting the use of digitally altered political “deepfakes,” alleging First and 14th Amendment violations.
Christopher Kohls, who goes by the name “Mr Reagan” on X, has been at the center of a debate over the use of AI-generated material in elections since he posted the video in July, calling it a parody of a Harris campaign ad. It features AI-generated clips mimicking Harris’ voice and saying she’s the “ultimate diversity hire.” The video was shared by X owner Elon Musk without calling it parody and attracted the ire of Newsom, who vowed to ban such content.
The governor made good on that promise Tuesday by signing laws targeting fraudulent campaign materials. Now, Kohls is suing, arguing the governor is trying to make computer-generated parody illegal and asserting that political satire is a “fundamental First Amendment Right.”
The suit, filed Tuesday in federal court, seeks permanent injunctions against the laws.
Below is the original video Kohls posted on July 26:
Kamala Harris Campaign Ad PARODY pic.twitter.com/5lBxvyTZ3o
— Mr Reagan 🇺🇸 (@MrReaganUSA) July 26, 2024
After Newsom signed his new anti-deepfake bill into law on Tuesday, Elon Musk responded by re-posting the video again Tuesday evening. He wrote, “The governor of California just made this parody video illegal in violation of the Constitution of the United States. Would be a shame if it went viral.”
Kohl then joked, “I think it’s reasonable to call Elon and me besties at this point 🤔🤣.”
I think it’s reasonable to call Elon and me besties at this point 🤔🤣
— Mr Reagan 🇺🇸 (@MrReaganUSA) September 18, 2024
In another post, Kohl shared a warning:
Communist politicians like Kamala & Gavin are not ideological. They’re opportunistic. Socialism consolidates power in the hands of the already powerful. There are more opportunities for them to steal tax dollars & there is less accountability for such corruption.
And they can silence those who criticize them. These frauds just want more money & more power. Communism for you, wealth & power for them. That’s the secret.
Communist politicians like Kamala & Gavin are not ideological.
They’re opportunistic.
Socialism consolidates power in the hands of the already powerful. There are more opportunities for them to steal tax dollars & there is less accountability for such corruption.
And they can…
— Mr Reagan 🇺🇸 (@MrReaganUSA) September 18, 2024
Politico wrote an article about me. 🤣👍🏻 https://t.co/1Zf5gT5uCq
— Mr Reagan 🇺🇸 (@MrReaganUSA) September 19, 2024
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