California AI Transparency Act (SB 942 / AB 853)
California · Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 22757 et seq. · effective 2026-08-02 · Original Jan 1, 2026 date was delayed to Aug 2, 2026 by AB 853.
Summary
Providers of generative AI systems with over one million monthly users must offer free AI-detection tools, embed latent (machine-readable) disclosures in generated images, audio and video, and offer optional visible disclosures. Small businesses are affected mainly through the tools they use, but content you publish should carry any provenance data your tools attach.
Who must comply
Large generative-AI providers (1M+ monthly users); indirectly, businesses distributing AI-generated media.
What you must disclose
Latent provenance disclosures in AI-generated media; optional manifest labels.
When: At generation/distribution.
Other duties
- Do not strip provenance metadata from AI-generated media you publish.
Exemptions
- Providers under the 1M monthly-user threshold.
Penalties
$5,000 per violation per day.
Enforced by: California Attorney General, city attorneys, county counsel.
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