Governor Gavin Newsom signed the California AI Transparency Act to help citizens distinguish between real and AI-generated online content.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Governor Gavin Newsom today signed the California AI Transparency Act (AB 853), a landmark measure designed to help Californians distinguish between real and AI-generated content online.
The law addresses growing concerns over disinformation fueled by generative artificial intelligence.
“Generative AI is reshaping our information ecosystem at breakneck speed, making it harder than ever to tell what’s real and what’s not,” said Leora Gershenzon, policy director at the California Initiative for Technology and Democracy (CITED). “This law gives Californians tools to stem the tide of AI-generated disinformation, increase transparency, and rebuild trust in our information ecosystem and democracy.”
Sponsored by CITED, a project of California Common Cause, AB 853 builds on last year’s first-in-the-nation AI transparency law.
It introduces industry-backed content provenance standards that enable the clear identification of both human-generated and AI-generated content.
Key provisions of AB 853 include:
Embedding system identification information in recording devices at the point of capture.
Requiring large online platforms to display provenance details about the origins and history of content.
Establishing a dual labeling system to identify both authentic and AI-generated material, reducing the flood of unlabeled content online.
CITED was created to develop state-level solutions to the threats posed by disinformation, AI, and other emerging technologies.
The initiative brings together experts in civil rights, law, public policy, and technology to advocate for a digital democracy that works for all.
“This law marks a major step forward in ensuring Californians can trust the information they see online,” Gershenzon added. “It’s about creating transparency and accountability in our digital information ecosystem.”
Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer issued the following statement:
“The victory on AB 56 in particular would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the countless parents, teens, and other advocates who made their voices heard in the legislature and with the governor. Because of their tireless efforts, we are moving closer to the digital future our children deserve.”
“As we celebrate this important progress, we look forward to continuing to work with legislators and families over the next year on policies that will protect kids in an AI-powered world.”
Watch more on ABC10: Viral Katie Porter interview sparks AI videos as experts warn of election fakes
ABC10: Watch, Download, Read