California 2025-2026 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB853

Introduced
2/19/25  
Refer
3/28/25  
Report Pass
3/28/25  
Refer
4/1/25  
Report Pass
4/23/25  
Refer
4/23/25  
Report Pass
4/30/25  
Refer
4/30/25  
Refer
5/7/25  
Report Pass
5/23/25  
Engrossed
6/2/25  
Refer
6/3/25  
Refer
6/11/25  
Report Pass
7/16/25  

Caption

California AI Transparency Act.

Impact

The bill's implementation will notably affect how content is created and shared online, promoting greater accountability among AI developers and platforms. Starting in 2028, manufacturers of recording devices will also need to offer options to embed latent disclosures in the content produced, providing users with more information regarding the authenticity of captured media. The bill seeks to enhance consumer protection and trust in digital content, adapting regulations to the evolving technology landscape. Violations could lead to significant financial penalties, reinforcing compliance.

Summary

Assembly Bill 853, known as the California AI Transparency Act, aims to improve the transparency of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) systems. It mandates that developers of GenAI systems with over one million users must provide a free tool that allows users to determine whether content has been created or altered by AI. Furthermore, large online platforms are required to label such content with machine-readable provenance data to disclose its origins. This measure seeks to ensure that users can identify the authenticity of AI-generated content in an increasingly automated digital landscape.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding AB 853 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocates for transparency and consumer rights. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step in combating misinformation and upholding the integrity of media. However, there are concerns about the implications for creative freedoms and potential overreach of regulation, especially concerning restrictions placed on platforms and device manufacturers. Some stakeholders worry about the technical feasibility of the proposed disclosures and the associated costs for compliance.

Contention

Key points of contention in the discussions around AB 853 revolve around the balance between regulation and innovation. Critics raise questions about how stringent disclosure requirements may stifle creativity and limit the capabilities of AI systems, potentially hindering their development. Additionally, there is an ongoing debate about the practical implementation of these requirements and the implications for privacy and data retention by platforms. The bill envisions a significant shift in the legal landscape regarding AI, requiring careful consideration of its broader societal impacts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA SB942

California AI Transparency Act.

CA AB3211

California Digital Content Provenance Standards.

CA SB896

Generative Artificial Intelligence Accountability Act.

CA AB1008

California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018: personal information.

CA AB2013

Generative artificial intelligence: training data transparency.

CA SB1228

User identity authentication.

CA AB2655

Defending Democracy from Deepfake Deception Act of 2024.

CA AB2885

Artificial intelligence.

CA AB2877

California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018: artificial intelligence: training.

CA SB970

Artificial intelligence technology.

Similar Bills

CA AB3211

California Digital Content Provenance Standards.

NM HB401

A.i. Synthetic Content Accountability Act

CA SB942

California AI Transparency Act.

IL SB1929

PROVENANCE DATA REQUIREMENTS

NC S624

AI Chatbots - Licensing/Safety/Privacy

CA SB1047

Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act.

US HB7766

Protecting Consumers from Deceptive AI Act

CA SB813

Multistakeholder regulatory organizations.