California AB 1836 (2024) — Use of Likeness: Digital Replica (Deceased Personalities)
California · Cal. Civ. Code 3344.1 (AB 1836, Stats. 2024)
It is unlawful to produce, distribute, or make available a digital replica of a deceased celebrity's or performer's voice or likeness in a film, video, or sound recording without consent from whoever controls that person's rights (such as their estate). Anyone who does so is liable to the rights holder for the greater of $10,000 or the actual damages caused.
Technical detail
Amends Cal. Civ. Code 3344.1 (deceased personality rights) to make a person who produces, distributes, or makes available the digital replica of a deceased personality's voice or likeness in an expressive audiovisual work or sound recording, without prior consent, liable for the greater of $10,000 or actual damages, subject to enumerated exceptions.
Who is protected: Deceased personalities (via their estates/successors) and the rights holders controlling their voice and likeness.
Who must comply: Any person who produces, distributes, or makes available digital replicas of a deceased personality's voice or likeness in expressive works.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | California |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Status | In effect |
| Protection strength | Moderate protection |
| Effective date | 2025-01-01 |
| Enacted | 2024-09-17 |
| Citation | Cal. Civ. Code 3344.1 (AB 1836, Stats. 2024) |
| Enforced by | None (enforced through private civil litigation by rights holders). |
| Private right of action | Yes — individuals can sue |
| Penalties | Civil liability of the greater of $10,000 or actual damages, subject to statutory exceptions. |
| Topics | deepfakes · AI-generated images |
| Last verified | 2026-06-16 |
| Official source | Bill Text — AB-1836 Use of likeness: digital replica ↗ |
More AI rules in California
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- California AB 489 (AI healthcare chatbot misrepresentation ban) · In effect
- X.AI v. Bonta (AB 2013 training-data disclosure) · Blocked / in litigation
- CA SB 1298 (2012 AV authorization) · In effect
- CA AB 856 (2015 drone trespass) · In effect
- California Bot Disclosure Act (bots must self-identify in sales/election messaging) · In effect
Related deepfakes rules elsewhere
- Arkansas Frank Broyles Act AI amendment — voice and likeness protection (2025) · In effect
- Doe v. X.AI (Grok NCII deepfakes class action) · In effect
- xAI v. Harwood (Grok NCII Counter-Suit 2026) · Blocked / in litigation
- Arizona HB 2133 deepfake sexual content — vetoed 2026 · Vetoed
- NY AG · In effect
- MI SOS Deepfake Election Policy · In effect
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