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Laws · California

California AI Transparency Act (SB 942, amended by AB 853, SB 1000, AB 2713)

Requires providers of generative AI systems in California to embed latent (machine-readable) disclosures in AI-generated or altered images, video and audio and to offer a free tool to check them. Later phases cover large online platforms and GenAI hosting platforms (2027) and capture-device makers (2028). Penalties of $5,000 per violation, each day counted separately.

At a glance

In forceNext: Large online platforms must detect and surface provenance data and must not strip it, Jan 1, 2027 (in 89 days).
Jurisdiction
California
Type
Law
Official title
SB 942 (Becker), California AI Transparency Act (Bus. & Prof. Code § 22757 et seq.), Chapter 291, Statutes of 2024; amended by AB 853 (Ch. 674, Stats. 2025), SB 1000 (Ch. 861) and AB 2713 (Ch. 856) of 2026

What this means for you

If you build AI

  • If your GenAI system makes images, video or audio for Californians, embed latent provenance disclosures; SB 1000 (Sept 2026) removed the 1M-user threshold.
  • If you license your model, the licensee must keep disclosures intact; report noncompliance as the law requires.
  • Check SB 1000's changes: the 'AI detection tool' is now a 'disclosure verification tool' and the manifest option was cut.

If you deploy AI

  • Large online platforms and GenAI hosting platforms have their own provenance duties from Jan 1, 2027.
  • Do not strip provenance data or watermarks from AI content you publish.

If you use AI

  • AI-made images, video and audio from covered providers should carry hidden provenance data you can check.
  • From 2027, large platforms must let you see available provenance data on content.

Key dates

  1. Sep 30, 2026PastSB 1000 signed, in effect at once (urgency): drops the 1M-user threshold and the manifest-disclosure optionSource
  2. Sep 30, 2026PastAB 2713 signed: revises large online platforms' provenance duties (still from Jan 1, 2027)Source
  3. Jan 1, 2027in 89 daysLarge online platforms must detect and surface provenance data and must not strip itSource
  4. Jan 1, 2027in 89 daysGenAI hosting platforms may not knowingly offer GenAI systems that do not place required disclosuresSource
  5. Jan 1, 2028in 454 daysCapture devices (cameras, phones) first sold from this date must offer latent provenance disclosuresSource
  6. Jan 1, 2029in 820 daysExemption ends for GenAI systems designed primarily as assistive technologySource

Status history

  1. Aug 2, 2026In forceConfirmed by the SB 1000 (2026) digest; no court order blocking it foundSource
  2. Oct 13, 2025DelayedAB 853 (approved Oct 13, 2025) moved the start to Aug 2, 2026 and added platform and device dutiesSource
  3. Sep 19, 2024PassedSigned by the Governor; originally operative Jan 1, 2026Source

In the Drops

No Drop has covered this law yet.