## California vs. xAI on deepfakes The California Attorney General has formally ordered xAI, the artificial intelligence company founded by Elon Musk, to immediately cease the production and distribution of sexually explicit deepfakes. The notification represents a turning point in the regulation of AI-generated content. ## Growing concerns The decision is motivated by growing concern among state officials and members of the US Congress regarding the rapid spread of images generated by artificial intelligence, particularly those with explicit sexual connotations. This phenomenon raises complex ethical and legal issues, prompting authorities to intervene to protect citizens and prevent abuse. ## General context Deepfake technology, which allows faces and voices to be superimposed on videos and images in an extremely realistic way, has become increasingly accessible and sophisticated. While it offers creative and entertainment opportunities, it also presents significant risks, such as the creation of defamatory content, the manipulation of public opinion, and non-consensual sexual exploitation. The challenge for legislators is to strike a balance between promoting technological innovation and protecting individual rights.