Plain English Breakdown
The official text does not define the specific criteria for what constitutes a 'large online platform' or a 'GenAI system hosting platform,' referring instead to other definitions.
California AI Transparency Act
This law delays the start date for rules requiring large generative AI systems to offer free detection tools, and sets future dates when online platforms must check content labels and camera makers must allow users to add hidden labels.
What This Bill Does
- Delays the effective date of the California AI Transparency Act until August 2, 2026.
- Requires large generative AI systems with over one million monthly users in California to provide a free tool that checks if images, videos, or audio were created by their system and shows provenance data.
- Starting January 1, 2027, requires large online platforms to detect standard hidden labels on content shared on their sites.
- Starting January 1, 2028, requires camera makers to give users the option to add a permanent label with the maker's name to photos or videos recorded by devices first produced for sale in California after that date.
- Prohibits hosting platforms from knowingly offering AI systems that do not include required hidden labels starting January 1, 2027.
Who It Names or Affects
- Companies creating generative artificial intelligence systems with over one million monthly users accessible in California.
- Large online platforms as defined by the law.
- Manufacturers of capture devices such as cameras, mobile phones with built-in cameras or microphones, and voice recorders sold in the state.
Terms To Know
- Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI)
- Computer systems that create new images, videos, audio, or text based on patterns they have learned.
- Latent disclosure
- A hidden label inside digital content that is permanent or very hard to remove and conveys information about the device maker.
- Provenance data
- Information attached to a file showing where it came from or how it was made, compliant with widely adopted specifications.
Limits and Unknowns
- The requirement for AI systems to include hidden labels applies only if it is technically feasible.
- The law refers to definitions of 'large online platform' and 'GenAI system hosting platform' found elsewhere in existing laws without defining them directly here.