2027-01-01 · US-CA · 141 days from today
Large online platforms must detect provenance data embedded in user-uploaded content and label it as AI-generated where that data is present. Deadline: January 1, 2027. Applies to platforms distributing user-generated content to California users.
What it requires
Platforms must implement detection of provenance data—technical markers that indicate content was created by AI—on user-uploaded material. Where provenance data is present, the platform must apply a label identifying the content as AI-generated. This is detection and labeling of existing provenance signals, not generation of new AI-detection systems. The obligation is triggered only when the provenance data itself is present on the uploaded file or content object.
Who it binds
Large online platforms that distribute user-uploaded content to California users. This includes social media sites, video platforms, image-sharing services, and similar venues where users post content accessible to California residents. The obligation falls on product and compliance teams responsible for content handling systems, moderation infrastructure, and labeling mechanisms.
How to check whether you comply
Confirm your platform allows user uploads and distributes that content to California users.
Audit your upload pipeline to identify whether you currently detect or have capacity to detect provenance metadata standards (e.g., C2PA).
Map your labeling infrastructure and verify it can display an AI-generated label where provenance data is detected.
Review SB 942 text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov to confirm the exact provenance standards and labeling requirements.
What teams get wrong
This deadline is confirmed. Teams often confuse detection of embedded provenance data with independent AI-detection systems—SB 942 requires labeling based on provenance signals present in the content itself, not creation of new AI classifiers. Clarify with legal counsel which provenance standards the Act recognizes.
This is one of 17 dated AI obligations we track
You have 141 days on this one. There are 16 others across the EU, UK, and US, and they do not arrive in a convenient order. The AI Compliance Deadline Radar lists every one of them with a live countdown.
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CCPA regulations — ADMT compliance — US-CA, 2027-01-01
CCPA regulations — ADMT consumer rights — US-CA, 2027-04-01
California AI Transparency Act (SB 942) — US-CA, 2026-08-02
Source
Not legal advice. This summarizes a public source so you can act on it; verify against the primary text before you rely on it.