California B.O.T. Act (SB 1001)
California · Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17940–17943 · effective 2019-07-01
Summary
Makes it unlawful to use a bot to communicate with a person in California with intent to mislead about its artificial identity in order to incentivize a purchase or influence a vote, unless the bot is clearly disclosed. Applies to online platforms with 10 million or more unique monthly U.S. visitors.
Who must comply
Operators of bots on public platforms with 10M+ unique monthly U.S. visitors (very large sites, social networks, marketplaces).
What you must disclose
A clear, conspicuous disclosure reasonably designed to inform the person that they are interacting with a bot.
When: Before or during the interaction; safest at the start.
Exemptions
- Platforms below the 10M monthly U.S. visitor threshold.
- Bots that do not attempt to incentivize a sale or influence a vote.
Penalties
Enforced through California's Unfair Competition Law (civil penalties up to $2,500 per violation).
Enforced by: California Attorney General and public prosecutors.
Triggered by
Sources
- Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17940 (Justia)
- Perkins Coie — California's new law requires disclosure of use of bots
Last reviewed 2026-09-09. Not legal advice.
Does this apply to your bot?
Answer six questions and BotNotice maps every statute to your situation, then installs a compliant notice with the right timing.