Popular satirical outlet The Babylon Bee has launched a lawsuit against the state of California, asserting that newly signed “deepfake” laws targeting satire and parody infringe on free speech rights. The complaint arises in response to two laws recently passed that restrict what the lawsuit dubs “materially deceptive content.” The complaint asserts that these laws compel social media platforms to monitor and potentially censor user content.
Babylon Bee CEO, Seth Dillon, argues that one of the laws particularly targets satirists by insisting on disclaimers that make clear the content is parody, something he says “stifles and kills the joke.” Dillon also highlighted the potential penalties that his company might face if disclaimers are not included.
Alliance Defending Freedom, which is helping with the lawsuit, has echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the new legislation for shielding politicians from unwanted criticism. The lawsuit is directed at California Attorney General Rob Bonta, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, and Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Soto.
This lawsuit adds to a growing list of legal actions challenging censorship, particularly concerning conservative content.