CA Sen. Becker Targets Uber Fraud with New Identity Theft Shields

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — State Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park, has introduced two bills to shield Californians from escalating identity theft threats, including fraud on ride-sharing platforms like Uber. SB 1142, the Digital Dignity Act, introduced Feb. 19, 2026, targets harmful AI-generated deepfakes and impersonations by strengthening defamation penalties, requiring large online platforms to remove unauthorized digital replicas, and holding distributors accountable for violations. Becker's push follows CBS Los Angeles reporting on Uber driver fraud, where imposters use stolen identities, prompting two class-action lawsuits alleging the company failed to act despite awareness.

The second measure, building on Becker's privacy track record, addresses vulnerabilities in AI systems handling sensitive data. While earlier efforts like the 2023 Delete Act (SB 362) empowered residents to erase personal info from data brokers via the DROP tool, recent legislation urges businesses to bolster protections. Becker publicly called out Uber, stating, "If you're sitting in the back of a car... you don't want to be wondering if this person is an imposter. We have to give people confidence." In Silicon Valley-heavy districts like his 13th Senate District spanning San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, such scams hit close to home amid tech-driven daily life.

Becker's broader AI privacy offensive includes SB 468, the Artificial Intelligence Security and Protection Act from March 2025, mandating security programs for high-risk AI in healthcare, finance and more, with risk assessments, training and breach responses enforced by the California Privacy Protection Agency. These bills come as California grapples with rising cyber threats; Becker, a senior scam stopper seminar host, positions them as essential for the Delete Act's evolution against evolving fraud. Lawmakers aim to balance innovation with safeguards in the nation's tech capital.