California will fine creators $5,000 a post for hidden political ads

California’s new law, AB 1130, imposes a $5,000 fine on any paid political post that omits a required disclosure, giving the Fair Political Practices Commission authority to levy administrative, civil, or criminal penalties and refer violations to law enforcement. The bill targets creators paid by campaign committees to support or oppose a candidate or measure, excluding unpaid creators who post personal opinions. The law follows reports that politicians, including Tom Steyer’s campaign, paid influencers to post undisclosed political content during California’s 2024 governor’s primary.