California AI Transparency Act: system provenance data

The law gives users clearer ways to check content’s origin, authenticity, and editing history. It applies only to provenance data and signatures meeting interoperable, widely adopted standards.

What the law does ​

• Requires large online platforms to detect provenance data associated with distributed content.
• Requires a clear user interface showing whether content has provenance data or digital signatures and, when applicable, the AI system or capture device that created or substantially altered it.
• Requires platforms to let users inspect system provenance data directly, through a link, or by downloading it in a format not easily attached to unrelated content.
• Bars platforms, when technically feasible, from knowingly removing system provenance data or digital signatures from content uploaded, distributed, or downloaded through the platform.
• Does not require platforms to retain, display, or permit downloading of personal information.
• Takes effect January 1, 2027.

Who it affects ​

• Large online platforms distributing content with standardized provenance data or digital signatures.
• Users seeking to determine whether online content was generated or substantially altered by AI, or captured by a device.
• Developers and operators of AI systems and capture devices whose names may appear in provenance information.

Context ​

The requirements apply only to provenance data, system provenance data, and digital signatures compliant or interoperable with widely adopted specifications issued by an established standards-setting body.