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AI Summary
SB 970 aimed to streamline health care coverage applications and integrate them with CalWORKs and CalFresh programs.
Business Impact
If you sell AI technology for creating synthetic media in California, you must provide a consumer warning by July 1, 2026, or face penalties.
What do these statuses mean? ▼
Introduced
— Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee
— Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed
— Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted
— Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed
— Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown
— Status data not yet available or awaiting classification
Affected Industries
Topics How we classify →
What This Means
California's SB970 aims to regulate artificial intelligence technologies, particularly those that create synthetic media. It establishes requirements for consumer warnings, determined by the Department of Consumer Affairs, and clarifies legal definitions related to impersonation and evidence in court. Businesses involved in AI technology will need to comply with new regulations by mid-2026.
Key Provisions
- Requires consumer warnings for AI technologies creating synthetic media by July 1, 2026, with form and content determined by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
- Defines synthetic media as AI-generated or manipulated audio, video, or images.
- Clarifies that synthetic likenesses are treated as genuine for legal purposes.
- Mandates the Judicial Council to develop screening procedures for synthetic evidence and review the impact of AI on evidence by January 1, 2026.
- Imposes civil penalties for non-compliance with consumer warning requirements.
- Establishes definitions for voice and video cloning technologies.
Latest Legislative Action
In Senate. Consideration of Governor's veto pending.
Bill Sponsors (showing 5 of 8)
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Anthony Portantino D | Sponsor | SD-025 |
| Das Williams D | Sponsor | HD-037 |
| Elaine Alquist D | Sponsor | SD-013 |
| Jerry Hill D | Sponsor | SD-013 |
| Kevin de Leon D | Sponsor | SD-024 |
Roll Call Votes (showing 3 of 8)
S ·
Unfinished Business SB970 De León Concurrence ·
Aug 29, 2012
27 Yea
6 Nay
7 Other
Passed ✓
A ·
SB 970 De Leon Senate Third Reading By MITCHELL ·
Aug 22, 2012
53 Yea
26 Nay
1 Other
Passed ✓
A ·
Do pass as amended ·
Aug 16, 2012
12 Yea
5 Nay
Passed ✓
Compliance Checklist
Provide a consumer warning about potential misuse of AI technology.
Who: Any person or entity selling AI technology for synthetic media.
Deadline: By July 1, 2026.
Penalty: Up to $25,000 per day for non-compliance.
Who: Any person or entity selling AI technology for synthetic media.
Deadline: By July 1, 2026.
Penalty: Up to $25,000 per day for non-compliance.
Ensure understanding of synthetic media definitions and implications.
Who: Legal teams and compliance officers in affected businesses.
Deadline: Ongoing, with educational materials to be developed by January 1, 2026.
Penalty: Potential legal liability for misuse of synthetic media.
Who: Legal teams and compliance officers in affected businesses.
Deadline: Ongoing, with educational materials to be developed by January 1, 2026.
Penalty: Potential legal liability for misuse of synthetic media.
Related & Companion Bills
Full Legal Analysis
SB970 introduces significant regulations surrounding artificial intelligence technologies in California. It mandates that any entity providing access to AI that creates synthetic media must issue a consumer warning regarding potential civil or criminal liabilities associated with misuse. The Department of Consumer Affairs will determine the form and content of this warning. This requirement is set to take effect by July 1, 2026, with penalties for non-compliance reaching up to $25,000 per day. The bill also amends existing laws to clarify that synthetic voices and likenesses are considered the same as genuine representations for legal purposes, thereby enhancing protections against unauthorized use. Additionally, the Judicial Council is tasked with developing procedures to identify synthetic media in court proceedings and providing educational materials to assist legal professionals. The Judicial Council must review the impact of AI on evidence by January 1, 2026. Key definitions are established within the bill, including 'artificial intelligence' and 'synthetic media,' which encompass a range of technologies from deepfakes to voice cloning. This comprehensive approach aligns with growing concerns over the misuse of AI technologies and their impact on personal rights and legal processes. Overall, SB970 reflects California's proactive stance on AI regulation, setting a precedent that may influence similar legislative efforts in other states.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View SB970 on official legislature website →
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Affected Industries
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