Senate Bill No. 942
The California AI Transparency Act requires covered providers of generative artificial intelligence systems with over one million monthly visitors or users to offer a free, publicly accessible AI detection tool and include manifest and latent disclosures in AI-generated content. The act mandates that covered providers revoke licenses from third-party licensees who modify systems to remove disclosure capabilities and establishes civil penalties for violations. The provisions of the act become operative on January 1, 2026.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
AI developers, providers, and legal professionals operating generative artificial intelligence systems in California need to read this to understand compliance and disclosure obligations.
What the document contains
The document addresses transparency requirements for large generative AI providers operating in California, including mandates for AI content detection tools, manifest and latent disclosures, rules regarding third-party system modifications, and enforcement mechanisms through civil penalties.
The text does not include detailed technical specifications for latent watermarking algorithms, nor does it address safety evaluations or non-generative AI systems.
- Covered generative AI providers with over one million monthly users must provide a free, publicly accessible AI detection tool.
- Providers must offer options for clear, permanent manifest disclosures and technical latent disclosures in AI-generated content.
- Licenses must be revoked within 96 hours if a third-party licensee modifies a GenAI system to remove disclosure capabilities.
- Violations are subject to civil penalties of $5,000 per violation per day, enforceable by the Attorney General, city attorneys, or county counsels.
- The legislation becomes operative on January 1, 2026.
· Section 22757: Short title · Section 22757.1: Definitions · Section 22757.2: AI detection tool requirements · Section 22757.3: Manifest and latent disclosures, and third-party licensing · Section 22757.4: Civil penalties and enforcement · Section 22757.5: Exemptions for video games, television, streaming, and movies · Section 22757.6: Operative date
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
4/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
A covered provider that violates this chapter shall be liable for a civil penalty in the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000) per violation
22757.4
screening score · 2026-10-24
Fairness
0/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
screening score · 2026-10-24
Human Dignity
0/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
screening score · 2026-10-24
Human Oversight
0/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
screening score · 2026-10-24
Privacy
4/5Protection of personal data and private life
A covered provider shall not do any of the following: (1) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), collect or retain personal information from users of the covered provider’s AI detection tool.
22757.2
screening score · 2026-10-24
Transparency
5/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
This chapter shall be known as the California AI Transparency Act.
22757
screening score · 2026-10-24
Enforcement
4/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
A covered provider that violates this chapter shall be liable for a civil penalty in the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000) per violation to be collected in a civil action filed by the Attorney General, a city attorney, or a county counsel.
22757.4
screening score · 2026-10-24
Impact Assessment
0/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
screening score · 2026-10-24