California’s AI Laws Are Here—What You Need to Know

As of January 1, 2025, California has implemented several new AI laws aimed at increasing transparency, protecting consumers, and addressing the ethical use of artificial intelligence. While many of these laws impact businesses and developers, some directly affect consumers and everyday technology use. Here’s what you need to know about the laws that may impact you the most.

Protecting Consumers from Deepfake and AI-Generated Content

With the rise of AI-generated images, videos, and audio, new laws are in place to prevent deceptive or harmful use of this technology. Two key laws address AI-manipulated content:

• SB 926 makes it illegal to create or distribute non-consensual deepfake pornography, allowing victims to pursue legal action against those who create or share such content.

• AB 2655 requires large online platforms to label or remove “materially deceptive” AI-generated content in political ads, helping prevent misinformation in elections.

These laws aim to curb the spread of harmful deepfake content and increase transparency about AI-altered media.

AI in Health Care: Know When You’re Talking to a Machine

AI is increasingly being used in medical communications, but new laws ensure patients know when they are interacting with AI instead of a human:

• AB 3030 mandates that health care providers disclose when AI is used in patient communication and provide an option to contact a human provider.

• SB 1120 prohibits AI from making final decisions on medical necessity for health insurance claims—only licensed physicians can do so.

These measures protect patients by ensuring that AI does not make critical health decisions without human oversight.

AI and Your Privacy: Who Controls Your Data?

California is strengthening data privacy protections related to AI-generated information:

• AB 1008 updates the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) to classify AI-generated personal data as protected information. This means consumers have the same rights over AI-generated personal data as they do over traditional personal data.

• SB 1223 recognizes neural data (brainwave activity and other biological data) as sensitive personal information, adding additional privacy safeguards.

These laws aim to prevent misuse of AI-generated personal information and protect consumers from data exploitation.

AI and Automated Calls: New Protections Against Robocalls

AI is increasingly being used in robocalls, but new regulations require more transparency:

• AB 2905 mandates that businesses using AI-generated voices in phone calls must first disclose that AI is being used and obtain consumer consent before continuing the call.

This law helps consumers avoid unwanted or misleading automated messages.

What’s Next?

California’s new AI regulations set a precedent for consumer protections in the digital age. As AI continues to evolve, additional laws are expected to follow. For now, these regulations provide important safeguards to ensure AI is used ethically and transparently.