Data, privacy and AI rules

Due in 60 days12Regulations190

12 due in 60 days · 190 regulations

California AI Transparency Act (SB 942)

Amended California · In force Aug 2, 2026 · next deadline Jan 1, 2027 (in 2 months)

Official text
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Deadlines

Coming up
ComplianceJan 1, 2027 · in 2 months · Source
Large online platform and hosting platform dutiesLarge online platforms and GenAI hosting platforms must meet the provenance duties added by AB 853.
ComplianceJan 1, 2028 · in 14 months · Source
Capture device manufacturer dutiesCapture device manufacturer provenance requirements become operative.
Already passed
Takes effectAug 2 · 3 months ago · Source
Covered provider duties applyDetection tool, manifest and latent disclosures, and license-revocation duties become operative.
Transition endsJan 1 · 10 months ago · Source
Original operative date (superseded)Original SB 942 date; delayed to August 2, 2026 by AB 853.
MilestoneOct 13, 2025 · 12 months ago · Source
AB 853 signedAB 853 (ch. 674) delays the operative date and adds platform and device duties.
MilestoneSep 19, 2024 · 2.1 years ago · Source
SB 942 signedSB 942 chaptered (ch. 291) with an original operative date of January 1, 2026.

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
Verified 2026-09-22 leginfo.legislature.ca.gov troutmanprivacy.com
Research notes

The August 2, 2026 operative date was set by AB 853. Many trackers still cite January 1, 2026, which is superseded.

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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.