Bill > AB723

This bill requires real estate brokers and salespersons to provide clear disclosure when they use digitally altered images in property advertisements or promotional materials. Specifically, if a real estate professional uses a digitally altered image (defined as a still photo modified using photo editing software or artificial intelligence to add, remove, or change elements of the property), they must include a conspicuous statement on or near the image disclosing that it has been altered. For online advertisements, they must also provide the original, unaltered version of the image, which can be done through a direct link. The bill clarifies that minor photo editing adjustments like lighting correction, cropping, or white balance are not considered "digital alteration." This legislation aims to increase transparency in real estate marketing by ensuring potential buyers are aware when images have been significantly manipulated. Since violating these requirements would be considered a crime under the Real Estate Law, the bill effectively creates a new regulatory requirement for real estate professionals. The bill also specifies that no additional state reimbursement is required for implementing these new rules.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB723