California SB 942 — AI Transparency Act (UNDER CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE)
CA · Cal. SB 942 (2024) — pending First Amendment challenge
California SB 942 mandates AI-content disclosures and watermarking by large generative AI providers, effective August 2, 2026. A First Amendment challenge was filed by industry plaintiffs in late 2025 and is pending preliminary injunction motion.
Technical detail
SB 942 (Becker, 2024) — requires 'large GenAI provider' covered entities (>1M monthly users) to embed manifest/latent disclosures in AI-generated content and offer a free AI detection tool to the public. Effective Aug. 2, 2026. First Amendment challenge filed Dec. 30, 2025 (E.D. Cal.); preliminary injunction motion pending.
Who is protected: Californians' ability to identify AI-generated content
Who must comply: Large GenAI providers (suspended pending litigation)
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | CA |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Status | Blocked / in litigation |
| Protection strength | Moderate protection |
| Effective date | 2026-08-02 |
| Enacted | 2024-09-19 |
| Citation | Cal. SB 942 (2024) — pending First Amendment challenge |
| Enforced by | California Attorney General + city attorneys |
| Private right of action | No — agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | Civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation per day |
| Topics | AI disclosure and transparency · AI-generated images · deepfakes |
| Last verified | 2026-06-16 |
| Official source | SB 942 — California Legislative Information ↗ |
More AI rules in CA
- CA EO N-12-23 (GenAI) · In effect
- CA SB 1047 (vetoed) · Vetoed
- CA AB 2930 (died) · Expired
- CA AB 2839 (enjoined) · Blocked / in litigation
- CA AB 2655 (enjoined) · Blocked / in litigation
- CA AB 3211 (died) · Expired
Related AI disclosure and transparency rules elsewhere
- FTC Act Section 5 (unfair/deceptive AI) · In effect
- FCRA (AI in credit & background checks) · In effect
- ECOA / Regulation B (AI credit discrimination) · In effect
- Title VII / ADA (AI hiring) · In effect
- COPPA + 2025 Rule (childrens data) · In effect
- Copyright Office AI Guidance · In effect
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