California AI Transparency Act (SB 942, as amended by AB 853)
California · Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 22757 et seq. (SB 942, as amended by AB 853)
Large generative AI providers (over 1 million monthly users) must offer a free AI-detection tool and embed disclosures in AI-generated images, video, and audio, including hidden watermark-style disclosures. A 2025 amendment delayed the start to August 2, 2026 and extended duties to large online platforms and capture-device makers (2027).
Technical detail
Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 22757 et seq.; AB 853 (Oct. 13, 2025) delayed the operative date for covered GenAI providers from Jan. 1, 2026 to Aug. 2, 2026, with large-online-platform and hosting obligations operative Jan. 1, 2027.
Who is protected: California consumers and the public exposed to synthetic media
Who must comply: Covered GenAI providers with 1M+ monthly users accessible in California; from 2027, large online platforms, hosting platforms, and capture-device manufacturers
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | California |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Status | In effect |
| Protection strength | Limited protection |
| Effective date | 2026-08-02 |
| Enacted | 2024-09-19 |
| Citation | Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 22757 et seq. (SB 942, as amended by AB 853) |
| Enforced by | California Attorney General, city attorneys, county counsels |
| Private right of action | No — agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | $5,000 per violation per day, plus attorney's fees and costs |
| Topics | AI disclosure and transparency · AI-generated images · deepfakes · consumer protection |
| Last verified | 2026-08-04 |
| Official source | California Legislative Information: SB 942 (2023–2024) ↗ |
More AI rules in California
- CA EO N-6-26 (AI Workforce) · In effect
- 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 AI disclosure and transparency rules elsewhere
- Trump AI Innovation & Security EO (June 2026) · In effect
- CO ADMT Act (SB 26-189, 2026) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- Utah SB 319 (health insurer AI) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- FERC order directing PJM and other grid operators to reform · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- Morris County resolution urging state oversight of data cent · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- SU-47 Special-Use Data Center Zoning District Ordinance · Proposed / pending
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