California just created a new way to force images and personal info off the internet based on a claimed “reasonable fear" with no court order required and no journalism exemption.

Presented as “privacy protection,” could become a blueprint for scrubbing public-interest reporting from the internet.

Critics are calling it the “Stop Nick Shirley Act" because indie journalists like Shirley have used viral videos to investigate alleged fraud in taxpayer-funded programs.

If you refuse a takedown demand, you could face a $10,000 fine, plus potential civil and criminal penalties.

Gov. Newsom signed it and it takes effect October 1, 2027.

https://reclaimthenet.org/newsom-signs-stop-nick-shirley-act