In one paragraph
California's SB 1142 (2025-26 Regular Session), the Digital Dignity Act, would have imposed specified liability on a person who distributes content with actual knowledge it uses a digital replica and is found guilty of a crime requiring false impersonation or liable for defamation arising from the replica. It would also have required large online platforms with a generative AI tool to let individuals report digital replica content and to remove it on a court order. It was held in Senate Appropriations on May 14, 2026 and was not passed before the session ended.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill died and never became law. It would have required large online platforms with generative AI tools that create digital replicas to provide reporting and court-order takedown processes.
Key provisions
- Would add Chapter 22.6.1 (commencing with Section 22650) to the Business and Professions Code and Section 3344.2 to the Civil Code
- Specified liability for distributing content with actual knowledge that it uses a digital replica, where the person is found guilty of a criminal provision with false impersonation as an element, or is found liable for defamation in a civil action arising from the digital replica
- A large online platform that includes a generative AI tool letting users create a digital replica of others would have to provide a mechanism for individuals to report content involving their digital replica that violates the platform's terms of service or law, and to submit certified court orders or judgments
- On receiving an order or judgment, the platform would have to remove the digital replica and make reasonable efforts to remove known identical copies
- A city attorney or the Attorney General could sue for a specified civil penalty and injunctive relief
- Status: held in committee and under submission May 14, 2026; the session ended without passage
Latest legislative action
May 14, 2026. May 14 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.
Sponsors (showing 5 of 53)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Akilah Weber | Coauthor |
| Bates | Coauthor |
| Bauer-Kahan | Coauthor |
| Becker | Author |
| Bennett | Coauthor |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
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