California has enacted AB 1130 to give regulators the power to fine influencers up to $5,000 per undisclosed paid political post and to refer cases for possible misdemeanor charges. The law addresses a previous enforcement gap that allowed paid political posts to run without penalties. The move follows reporting that influencers were paid to promote Tom Steyer’s campaign without proper disclosure, and it is part of a larger package framed as protecting elections.
California to Fine Influencers Up to $5,000 Per Undisclosed Political Post Under AB 1130
asian female influencer filming content using phone in a bedroom | Image Credits:Kilito Chan / Getty Images
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 1130, a new law that strengthens disclosure rules for online influencers who are paid to post about political matters. The measure gives state regulators the authority to impose civil fines and to refer potential criminal cases to law enforcement.
Under AB 1130, regulators can levy fines of up to $5,000 for each undisclosed paid political post. The bill also allows regulators to refer repeat or egregious violations to prosecutors for potential misdemeanor charges, creating legal consequences where previously there were none.
Why It Matters
The New York Times reported that California already required influencers to disclose paid posts related to state and local races, but enforcement lacked financial penalties or criminal referrals. The reporting highlighted cases in which billionaire Tom Steyer, who ran for the Democratic nomination for California governor earlier this year, paid dozens of influencers to promote his campaign online and many posts initially failed to disclose those payments.
Supporters say the law closes an enforcement gap and increases transparency in online political advertising. The measure was signed as part of a broader package of bills the governor’s office described as safeguards against potential election interference, including concerns tied to national political figures.
Assemblyman Marc Berman, the bill’s sponsor, said he introduced AB 1130 after noticing "a bit of ambiguity about the [existing] law and how it's enforced."
California is not alone: Texas also requires disclosure of paid political content, and several other states are considering similar rules as social media and influencer marketing play a growing role in political campaigns.
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