New California law will penalize influencers who don't disclose political ads
News Source
β’Sun, 20 Sep 2026 16:30:00 +0000
π° What Happened
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law that fines influencers who do not say when they are paid to post about politics. Fines can reach $5,000 for each violation.
Regulators can also send cases to law enforcement, where they could be treated as a misdemeanour.
California already required disclosure for state and local races, but there was no penalty when people ignored the rule.
π The Backstory
Paying influencers has become a common campaign tactic. Billionaire Tom Steyer paid dozens of influencers during his run for California governor, and many did not say so at first.
Texas also requires disclosure for paid political posts, and other states are looking at similar rules.
The bill's sponsor said he introduced it after finding that the old law was unclear about how it was enforced.
π― Why It Matters
Hidden paid posts make it hard to tell real opinions from advertising. The fines are meant to help voters know who is really behind what they see.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law that fines influencers who do not say when they are paid to post about politics. Fines can reach $5,000 for each violation.
Regulators can also send cases to law enforcement, where they could be treated as a misdemeanour.
California already required disclosure for state and local races, but there was no penalty when people ignored the rule.
Paying influencers has become a common campaign tactic. Billionaire Tom Steyer paid dozens of influencers during his run for California governor, and many did not say so at first.
Texas also requires disclosure for paid political posts, and other states are looking at similar rules.
The bill's sponsor said he introduced it after finding that the old law was unclear about how it was enforced.
Hidden paid posts make it hard to tell real opinions from advertising. The fines are meant to help voters know who is really behind what they see.