California’s AI Transparency Act is operative: what generative AI providers now owe

In short: since August 2, 2026, generative AI providers with more than one million monthly users that are publicly accessible in California must embed hidden provenance disclosures in AI-generated images, video and audio, let users add a visible label, and offer a free detection tool. Large platforms follow on January 1, 2027 and capture-device makers on January 1, 2028. Text is not covered.^1,2

The first obligations of California’s AI Transparency Act became operative on August 2, 2026. The Act (SB 942, as amended by AB 853) applies to providers of generative AI systems with more than one million monthly visitors or users that are publicly accessible in California. It covers images, video and audio; it does not apply to AI-generated text.^1,2 This briefing is educational, not legal advice.