CA SB 942
California AI Transparency Act (CAITA)
Requires large GenAI providers (1M+ monthly users) to provide free AI detection tools, embed latent disclosures (watermarks/metadata) in AI-generated content, and offer optional manifest (visible) disclosures to users.
Jurisdiction
California
Enacted
Sep 19, 2024
Effective
Aug 2, 2026
Enforcement
California AG, city attorneys, or county counsel
Signed September 19, 2024; effective January 1, 2026
CA LegislatureWhy It Matters
Addresses deepfake/synthetic media concerns. Only applies to very large providers (1M+ threshold). Detection tool requirement is novel approach.
Recent Developments
Signed September 2024. Applies to large providers only (1M+ users). Excludes text-only outputs. Excludes video games, streaming, movies.
At a Glance
Applies to
Harms addressed
Requires
Who Must Comply
- Covered providers (GenAI systems with >1 million monthly users publicly accessible in California)
Obligations fall on:
Applicability thresholds:
Safety Provisions
- Free publicly accessible AI detection tool
- Latent disclosures (imperceptible metadata/watermarks) with system info, provider name, creation date
- User option for manifest disclosures (visible labels/watermarks)
- Third-party licensees must maintain disclosure capabilities
- License cancellation within 96 hours if licensee disables disclosures
- User feedback collection on detection tool efficacy
Exemptions
Entertainment Content
Video game, television, streaming, movie, or interactive experiences (non-user-generated)
- • Entertainment content
- • Not user-generated
Text-Only Outputs
Text-only outputs excluded from disclosure requirements
- • Text-only output
- • No image/video/audio
Compliance & Enforcement
Key Dates
Jan 1, 2026
All provisions take effect
Free AI detection tool must be available
Latent disclosure (watermark/metadata) requirements begin
Penalties
$5K/violation
View on map
California
Focus Areas
Compliance Help
Must provide free AI detection tool. Must embed latent disclosures in AI-generated image/video/audio. Must offer manifest disclosure option to users.
See how NOPE helpsCite This
APA
California. (2024). California AI Transparency Act (CAITA).
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CA AB 2013
Requires GenAI developers to publish documentation about training datasets including sources, data types, copyright status, personal information inclusion, and processing methods.
TX AI Catfishing Law
Establishes civil liability for online impersonation using AI. Person liable if they knowingly and with intent to harm, defraud, intimidate, or threaten use AI to impersonate another's name, voice, signature, photograph, or likeness. Civil remedies include injunctive relief, actual damages, exemplary damages ($500+ minimum), costs, and attorney's fees. Satire and parody exempted.
PA Digital Forgery Act
Amends Pennsylvania's forgery statutes to criminalize creation and distribution of non-consensual AI-generated deepfakes ('forged digital likenesses') with intent to defraud or injure. Establishes tiered criminal penalties including felony charges for fraud-related deepfakes.
AR HB 1071
Amends Arkansas publicity rights law to explicitly include AI-generated reproductions of voice and likeness. Covers simulated voices and 3D generation.
SD Deepfakes Act
Prohibits disseminating deepfakes about candidates within 90 days of election with intent to cause injury. Class 1 misdemeanor with up to 1 year imprisonment and $2,000 fine. Affirmative defense for content with AI manipulation disclosure. Civil remedies available to AG, candidates, and depicted individuals.
Last updated January 22, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.