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 Many trackers still cite January 1, 2026, which is superseded.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
CCPA / CPRA
Colorado AI Act
Connecticut Data Privacy Act (CTDPA)
Illinois AI in Employment Law (HB 3773)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 Jan 1, 2026: Original operative date (superseded).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.