California cracks down on AI pornography
A new California law, AB 621, took effect Jan. 1 and expands civil protections against AI-generated sexual content amid a rise of nonconsensual deepfake pornography.
Asiya Siddiqui
About Me
I’m Asiya Siddiqui, a writer passionate about telling stories that matter. Whether I’m covering social justice, economic equity, or public policy, I aim to spotlight the people and legislation shaping our world. With roots in community advocacy and a background shaped by diverse experiences, I write with curiosity and a desire to spark change.
My goal is simple: to make complex issues accessible while leaving readers a little more informed and a little more inspired.
My Latest Work
10 most impactful Berkeley policies from 2025
During its final meeting of the year, the Berkeley City Council capped off a packed legislative calendar that included developments on housing, public safety, infrastructure and immigrant protections. At the same time, the council navigated a projected $18 million budget deficit. Here’s a look at 10 of the most impactful city policies in 2025 — and what to expect in the new year.
Beyond Measure W: Building Enforceable Housing Protections in Unincorporated Alameda County
Unincorporated Alameda County faces a growing housing crisis shaped by weak tenant
protections, limited enforcement systems, and the absence of municipal governments. Although
the county adopted a Just Cause for Eviction ordinance in February 2025, there is no
enforcement infrastructure to uphold it. Renters in unincorporated areas have no rent board,
hearing processes, or oversight body to review violations, which leaves many residents without
practical protection. Measure W was meant to support housing stability, yet its programs have
not reached the communities that most heavily rely on county governance. This memo
recommends two coordinated strategies to fill these structural gaps: establishing an Independent
Rent Board with elected commissioners and launching a Measure W-funded Community Land
Trust partnership for long-term affordability.
protections, limited enforcement systems, and the absence of municipal governments. Although
the county adopted a Just Cause for Eviction ordinance in February 2025, there is no
enforcement infrastructure to uphold it. Renters in unincorporated areas have no rent board,
hearing processes, or oversight body to review violations, which leaves many residents without
practical protection. Measure W was meant to support housing stability, yet its programs have
not reached the communities that most heavily rely on county governance. This memo
recommends two coordinated strategies to fill these structural gaps: establishing an Independent
Rent Board with elected commissioners and launching a Measure W-funded Community Land
Trust partnership for long-term affordability.
When Federal Websites Get Political: The Hatch Act In The Digital Age
As the federal government entered a shutdown on October 1st, a new controversy emerged over how federal agencies communicate during political standoffs. Pop-ups and banners appeared on agency websites blaming one side of Congress for the funding lapse, prompting questions about whether such messaging violated federal rules meant to keep government communications neutral.
Mayor Ishii to address Berkeley’s pressing issues in first State of the City Address
Mayor Adena Ishii plans to address what she considers to be the biggest issues impacting Berkeley at the State of the City Address on Wednesday. A year into her term, this will be Ishii’s first address. She plans to highlight community resilience, public safety and bold housing efforts as the city navigates a growing structural deficit and federal pressure.
Redefining Cooperation: New California Laws Target Federal Immigration Practices
On Sept. 20, 2025, two new immigration measures—Senate Bill 627 and Senate Bill 805—were signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Both were part of a broader package advanced in the final days of the legislative session aimed at redefining how California responds to federal immigration enforcement and public safety concerns.