California AI Transparency Act (SB 942)
Amended California · In force Aug 2, 2026 · next deadline Jan 1, 2027 (in 3 months)
Deadlines
Summaries for reference, not legal advice. Check the official text.
What it does
Covered generative AI providers must offer a free AI-content detection tool, give users the option of a visible (manifest) disclosure on AI-generated image, video or audio, and embed a latent, machine-readable provenance disclosure. Licensees must keep those disclosures intact, and providers must revoke a license within 96 hours of learning a licensee disabled them. AB 853 delayed the operative date to August 2, 2026 and extends duties to large online platforms and GenAI hosting platforms from 2027 and to capture-device makers from 2028.
- Who it applies to
- Covered providers: creators of GenAI systems with over 1,000,000 monthly visitors or users that are publicly accessible in California. From 2027: large online platforms with more than 2,000,000 unique monthly users in the preceding 12 months, and GenAI system hosting platforms. From 2028: capture device manufacturers.
- Penalties
- Civil penalty of $5,000 per violation, each day a separate violation, plus attorney fees and costs for a prevailing plaintiff. Injunctive relief against licensees.
- Enforced by
- California Attorney General, city attorneys, county counsel
- Official name
- California AI Transparency Act (SB 942, Stats. 2024, ch. 291), as amended by AB 853 (Stats. 2025, ch. 674)
- Citation
- Bus. & Prof. Code 22757 et seq.; SB 942 (2024) ch. 291; AB 853 (2025) ch. 674
- Topics
- ai
Research notes
The August 2, 2026 operative date was set by AB 853. Many trackers still cite January 1, 2026, which is superseded.
Related
Questions about California AI Transparency Act (SB 942)
- What are the California AI Transparency Act (SB 942) compliance deadlines?
- Sep 19, 2024: SB 942 signed. Oct 13, 2025: AB 853 signed. Jan 1, 2026: Original operative date (superseded). Aug 2, 2026: Covered provider duties apply. Jan 1, 2027: Large online platform and hosting platform duties. Jan 1, 2028: Capture device manufacturer duties.
- When does California AI Transparency Act (SB 942) take effect?
- California AI Transparency Act (SB 942) took effect on Aug 2, 2026. The next milestone is Jan 1, 2027: Large online platform and hosting platform duties.
- Who does California AI Transparency Act (SB 942) apply to?
- Covered providers: creators of GenAI systems with over 1,000,000 monthly visitors or users that are publicly accessible in California. From 2027: large online platforms with more than 2,000,000 unique monthly users in the preceding 12 months, and GenAI system hosting platforms. From 2028: capture device manufacturers.
- What are the penalties under California AI Transparency Act (SB 942)?
- Civil penalty of $5,000 per violation, each day a separate violation, plus attorney fees and costs for a prevailing plaintiff. Injunctive relief against licensees.