2025 laws to tackle AI in films, social media and politics

A wide range of new state laws will take effect in 2025, touching on everything from AI regulation to minimum wage increases and social media restrictions.

AI and Digital Rights: California leads the way in regulating artificial intelligence’s impact on entertainment and media, particularly regarding digital replicas and deepfakes.

• New legislation protects actors from unauthorized AI-generated replicas of their likeness
• The estates of deceased performers gain the right to pursue legal action against unauthorized AI representations
• Measures targeting political deepfakes on social media platforms face legal challenges

Social Media Regulations: Multiple states introduce new restrictions and protections for social media users, particularly focusing on youth safety and content monetization.

• Parents monetizing their children’s social media presence must establish financial safeguards for young influencers
• Florida and Tennessee implement controversial restrictions on teen social media accounts
• Parental consent requirements for young users face ongoing legal scrutiny

Healthcare and Public Safety: States enact various measures affecting healthcare access and public safety concerns.

• Kentucky joins the growing list of states permitting medical marijuana use
• Delaware expands abortion coverage under state employee health plans and Medicaid
• Minnesota implements restrictions on rapid-fire gun modifications
• Oregon reclassifies drug use on public transit as a misdemeanor

Economic Changes: Significant adjustments to wage and tax policies will affect millions of workers and consumers.

• More than 20 states implement minimum wage increases
• Washington, California, and Connecticut lead with hourly rates exceeding $16
• Delaware and Nebraska announce the largest single increases
• Kansas eliminates grocery sales tax and reduces income tax burden
• Arizona repeals municipal authority to tax monthly rent

Civil Rights and Education: States address various civil rights and educational policies.

• California maintains protections for student gender identity privacy
• Oklahoma expands voting rights for certain individuals with felony convictions
• Delaware broadens gun-free zones to include higher education institutions
• Missouri implements new restrictions on handheld phone use while driving

Looking Ahead: These legislative changes reflect evolving societal priorities and technological challenges, though legal challenges to several measures, particularly those involving AI and social media regulation, may reshape their implementation. The success of these laws could influence future legislation in other states, especially regarding emerging technologies and social issues.