California will fine creators $5,000 a post for hidden political ads

California enacted AB 1130, imposing $5,000 fines on paid political influencers who fail to disclose campaign payments in their posts. The law empowers the Fair Political Practices Commission to enforce penalties, including criminal charges, for hidden political ads. This follows revelations that campaigns, including Tom Steyer's, paid influencers without proper disclosure during the 2026 gubernatorial primary.