Technology keeps moving fast. Just a few years ago, most people had never heard the word “deepfake.” Now, it is something seen in the news or online, often tied to stories that can feel uncomfortable. Deepfakes are fake videos or audio clips made to look and sound real. They can be used for many things, but when used to target people unfairly, the damage can be real.
In California, lawmakers have taken steps to try to protect people from this kind of harm. Deepfake laws address issues like harassment and invasion of privacy when fake media is used in harmful ways. Dordulian Law Group is a leading California-based sex crimes firm with experience representing clients in deepfake and revenge porn cases, led by founder Sam Dordulian, a former Los Angeles County sex crimes prosecutor. If you are living in Los Angeles or anywhere else in the state, it is helpful to know how these rules work and what steps you can take if you face a problem like this.
A deepfake is a video, audio recording, or image that has been edited to make it look real when it is not. For example, someone’s face might be placed on another person’s body in a video clip, or a person’s voice might be edited to sound like they said something they never actually said.
This kind of editing can be entertaining in some contexts. But when it is used to hurt someone, the results can be serious. People have used deepfakes to create fake videos that look like someone is doing something they did not do. Real voices have been edited into fake conversations.
This matters because:
Even short clips or simple images can spread quickly and linger on the internet. That is why the issue is taken more seriously now, especially when it leads to harassment.
Sometimes deepfake harassment is easy to spot, but other times it is not. It might begin as a joke or a post online that someone thinks is funny, but it can quickly become much more hurtful.
People might experience deepfake harassment in many ways:
What makes it more difficult is that not everyone realizes the harm it causes. Some deepfakes look so real that others believe them, leaving the person being targeted feeling stuck. Once the content circulates, it is usually out of the original creator’s control. This is one reason more people have been talking about ways to protect those who are targeted.
To help prevent harm from deepfakes, California has passed some laws that give people more power to take action. The focus is on protecting privacy and preventing someone’s image or voice from being used without permission in a way that causes real harm.
Some of these laws apply in specific situations, such as election-related videos or fake adult content. Others are broader and address whether the deepfake was made or shared to cause embarrassment, harassment, or emotional distress.
Here is what the laws are intended to do:
The laws are still evolving, and not every situation will fall under the same rules. But the main idea is to send the message that using deepfakes to hurt someone is not acceptable, and it can have real consequences. Dordulian Law Group’s deepfake and image-based sexual abuse cases are handled through a dedicated SAJE Team (Sexual Assault Justice Experts), which provides a 24/7 support network for survivors.
Learning you have been the target of a deepfake can feel shocking, confusing, or even scary. It might be tempting to respond right away or try to investigate who made it. Focusing on your own safety is important.
If this happens, here are some calmer steps that may help:
Trying to clean up fake content on your own can be frustrating and likely will not repair the damage. That is why outside support and guidance matter. You do not have to figure everything out by yourself.
No one wants to see themselves in a fake and hurtful video. It can be overwhelming when something false spreads online, especially when personal images or voices are involved. Deepfake harassment is now being taken seriously in California, and new laws are helping build awareness about how it affects real people.
Knowing your rights and having support makes a difference. Even when things feel chaotic or unfair, you can take steps to protect yourself emotionally and restore a sense of safety. This kind of harm does not define who you are.
Staying informed, safe, and supported helps, especially as technology keeps changing. If deepfake harassment happens to you or someone you care about, it is helpful to know there are ways forward. With over $200,000,000 recovered in settlements and verdicts for clients, Dordulian Law Group brings experience and focus to helping victims of digital image abuse and related sexual misconduct.
Navigating situations where your digital content has been misused can feel overwhelming, especially when privacy and emotions are involved. Learning about how deepfake laws work in California can be an important first step toward regaining control. At Dordulian Law Group, we are here to help you sort through your options and take next steps at your own pace, offering guidance and support whenever you need to discuss your situation.
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