X.AI LLC v. Bonta — First Amendment Challenge to California AB 2013 Training-Data Disclosure Law
California · X.AI LLC v. Bonta, No. 2:25-cv-12295 (C.D. Cal., filed Dec. 29, 2025), appeal pending, No. 26-1591 (9th Cir.); oral argument July 16, 2026
X.AI LLC (Elon Musk's AI company) sued California Attorney General Rob Bonta to strike down AB 2013, California's law requiring developers of generative AI systems to publicly disclose documentation about the data used to train them. The suit was filed December 29, 2025 in the Central District of California, arguing the disclosure mandate violates the First, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendments. Judge Bernal denied X.AI's request for a preliminary injunction on March 4, 2026, and X.AI appealed to the Ninth Circuit, where the case is pending. AB 2013 took effect January 1, 2026 and remains enforceable while the appeal proceeds. The Attorney General defends the law as a regulation of commercial speech.
Technical detail
X.AI LLC v. Bonta, No. 2:25-cv-12295 (C.D. Cal., filed Dec. 29, 2025); preliminary injunction DENIED Mar. 4, 2026 (Judge Bernal); appeal pending, 9th Cir. No. 26-1591. Claims: First, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendments against Cal. AB 2013 (generative AI training-data disclosure; effective Jan. 1, 2026). AB 2013 enforceable pending appeal. AG's defense: AB 2013 regulates commercial speech (compelled commercial disclosure standard). Argument date not stated here (unconfirmed).
Who is protected: California residents and AI users — AB 2013's training-data disclosure obligations remain enforceable while the challenge proceeds; the litigation will determine whether the transparency mandate survives
Who must comply: Developers of generative AI systems made available to Californians (AB 2013 disclosure duties, enforceable pending appeal); parties: X.AI LLC, California Attorney General
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | California |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Status | Blocked / in litigation |
| Protection strength | Moderate protection |
| Effective date | 2025-12-29 |
| Citation | X.AI LLC v. Bonta, No. 2:25-cv-12295 (C.D. Cal., filed Dec. 29, 2025), appeal pending, No. 26-1591 (9th Cir.); oral argument July 16, 2026 |
| Enforced by | California Attorney General (AB 2013 enforcement); US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (pending appeal) |
| Topics | AI disclosure and transparency · consumer protection |
| Last verified | 2026-08-08 |
| Official source | X.AI LLC v. Bonta, 9th Cir. No. 26-1591 — CourtListener ↗ |
More AI rules in California
- CA EO N-6-26 (AI Workforce) · In effect
- California AB 489 (AI healthcare chatbot misrepresentation ban) · In effect
- 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
- California AB 302 (state must inventory its high-risk automated decision systems) · 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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