SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Weeks before voting ended in California's primary for governor, Los Angeles-based influencer Shaka Smith learned about a new bill that would impose fines for undisclosed political advertising. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
Under the bill, content creators could be fined if they do not disclose that they were paid for political advertising. This introduces new rules for social media influencers. Shaka Smith, a vegan influencer who is politically independent, works at his fast-food restaurant in Santa Monica.
The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Marc Berman, a Democrat from Menlo Park. He previously supported measures to redraw the state's Congressional districts and put new maps before voters. The bill aims to increase transparency in political advertising.
California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer also commented on the issue. In his speech on election night on June 2, 2026, in San Francisco, he emphasized the importance of transparency.
The new bill is designed to ensure transparency of advertising on social media platforms. If passed, content creators who fail to disclose payment for political advertising would face fines. This measure is expected to help clean up the information environment for voters.