Bill > AB410

This bill amends California law to strengthen regulations around bots (automated online accounts or applications that can be mistaken for human interactions) by requiring clear and upfront disclosure of their artificial nature. Specifically, the bill mandates that bots must disclose their non-human identity at the very first point of communication, answer truthfully any questions about their identity, and refrain from attempting to mislead users. The bill expands the definition of a "bot" to include accounts that a reasonable person might believe are human and that primarily use generative artificial intelligence to produce content. The legislation applies to online interactions where bots are used to potentially influence commercial transactions or elections, and it allows enforcement by various legal authorities including the Attorney General and local prosecutors. Entities using bots can be subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per violation, and the law provides an exemption for bots already required to follow more specific disclosure rules under other regulations. The bill aims to increase transparency and prevent deceptive online interactions by ensuring users are aware when they are communicating with an automated system rather than a human.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB410