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CA AB602: Depiction of individual using digital or electronic technology: sexually explicit material: cause of action.

Enacted California · 2019–2020 session

Last verified Oct 12, 2026 · official bill text

AB602 · where it stands

4 of 5 steps complete
  1. Introduced Complete
  2. Passed first chamber Complete
  3. Passed both chambers Complete
  4. Enacted Complete
  5. Effective Date not recorded
What do these statuses mean?
Introduced
Filed in the legislature; may be waiting for a committee hearing.
Passed a chamber
Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action.
Enacted
Signed into law, or became law without a signature or over a veto.
Effective date
The date the law says it takes effect. Once it has passed, the page shows "Effective" and the date. A court order can still block a law; if we know of one, the summary says so.
Dead / vetoed
Vetoed, failed, or the session ended without action.

In one paragraph

AB 602 added Civil Code Section 1708.86, giving a depicted individual a private right of action against a person who creates and intentionally discloses sexually explicit material made through digitization (realistic computer-generated or altered depictions) when the person knows or reasonably should know the individual did not consent. It also covers a person who discloses such material they did not create if they know the depicted individual did not consent to its creation. Exceptions apply for matters of legitimate public concern and works of political or newsworthy value. A prevailing plaintiff may obtain injunctive relief, attorney's fees, and economic, statutory, and punitive damages.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

Creators and distributors of synthetic sexual content face civil liability; platforms and media businesses should have consent and takedown processes.

Key provisions

  1. Civil Code Section 1708.86 covers digitally created or altered sexually explicit depictions
  2. Liability for creating and disclosing without consent
  3. Liability for knowingly disclosing nonconsensual material created by others
  4. Exceptions for legitimate public concern and newsworthy or political works
  5. Remedies include injunctions, statutory and punitive damages, and attorney's fees

Latest legislative action

Oct 3, 2019. Approved by the Governor October 3, 2019. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 491, Statutes of 2019.

Topics and industries

Related topics

AI Intimate Images

Affected industries

MediaTechnology

This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error

Related AI laws in California

All California bills →
SB926 Crimes: distribution of intimate images. AB621 Deepfake pornography. AB1766 Health curriculum framework: human trafficking and online safety. AB686 Elections: deceptive audio or visual media. AB2212 Postsecondary education: sexual harassment, harassment, intimidation, and bullyi SB981 Sexually explicit digital images.

Same topic in other states

Tennessee SB1346 AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 28 and Title 39, Chapter 17, rel Wyoming HB85 Unlawful dissemination of an intimate image. Oklahoma HB1364 Crimes and punishments; sexual obscenity; making certain acts unlawful; effectiv New Hampshire HB1319 Relative to prohibiting the nonconsensual dissemination of synthetic sexual imag Connecticut HB7287 An Act Concerning the State Budget for the Biennium Ending June 30, 2027, and Ma Montana HB514 Criminalize use of real and digitally fabricated sexually explicit images