California AI Transparency Act (SB 942)
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SB 942
Summary
The act requires widely-used generative AI systems to include provenance disclosures in the content they generate. These disclosures are invisible to humans but detectable by free tools offered together with the systems, so users can identify AI-generated content. It was signed by Governor Newsom on September 19, 2024. The act was later amended and strengthened by further legislation signed in 2025 and 2026, which the sources describe as addressing evolving technology.
Who it applies to
Applies to developers of widely-used generative AI systems in California, which must include provenance disclosures in the content they generate. Later amendments to the California AI Transparency Act were signed through further bills, including the bills listed in the 2025 and 2026 announcements.
Key points
- Widely-used generative AI systems must include provenance disclosures in the content they generate.
- Disclosures must be detectable by free tools offered together with the systems.
- Large generative AI companies must both label AI-generated content and provide AI detection capability.
- Later bills amended the act, including a 2025 bill by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks and 2 bills signed in 2026, one on system provenance data and one by Senator Josh Becker.
Key dates
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- Official text / status page
- www.gov.ca.gov/2024/09/19/governor-newsom-signs-bills-to-cr…
Sources are often in other languages; links open the original. - Later official documents (amendments, delays, court orders)
- www.gov.ca.gov/2025/10/13/governor-newsom-signs-bills-to-fu…
www.gov.ca.gov/2026/09/30/californias-nation-leading-ai-fra… - Topics
- Transparency & labeling · Deepfakes & synthetic media · Consumer protection