California AB 2602
| California AB 2602 | |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | California |
| Bill | AB 2602 |
| Session | 2023–2024 Regular Session |
| Enacted | September 17, 2024 |
| Effective | See compliance timeline |
| Status | In force / operative as specified |
| Codified | Labor Code Section 927 |
| Subjects | Digital replicas in personal or professional services contracts |
| Enforcement | The statute operates by rendering specified contract provisions unenforceable |
| Official source | Link |
California AB 2602 is a California artificial intelligence statute enacted in 2024 that makes certain contract provisions unenforceable when they permit digital replicas of an individual’s voice or likeness in lieu of that individual’s work without specified protections.[1]
Background
[edit]California enacted a group of artificial intelligence laws in 2024 addressing generative AI transparency, digital replicas, election deepfakes, health care AI communications, privacy, and statutory AI definitions. California AB 2602 is part of that broader state-law package and addresses digital replicas in personal or professional services contracts.
Legislative History
[edit]- Bill: AB 2602
- Session: 2023–2024 Regular Session
- Chapter: Chapter 259, Statutes of 2024
- Signed: September 17, 2024
- Codification: Labor Code Section 927
- Official source: California Legislature bill page
Scope
[edit]Covered Entities
[edit]- Individuals and contracting parties in personal or professional services agreements.
Covered Systems or Content
[edit]- Digital replicas of an individual’s voice or likeness used in lieu of that individual’s work.
Exemptions
[edit]- Application depends on the contract conditions and statutory exceptions in Labor Code Section 927.
Key Requirements
[edit]- Contract unenforceability: Makes certain digital-replica provisions unenforceable as against public policy.
- New performances: Applies to covered new performances fixed on or after the statutory date.
- Representation and specificity: Targets broad or insufficiently specific grants allowing digital replicas in lieu of the individual’s work.
Enforcement
[edit]The statute operates by rendering specified contract provisions unenforceable. Related labor-law enforcement and private contractual disputes may determine practical remedies.
Compliance Timeline
[edit]- Signed: September 17, 2024
- Chaptered: Chapter 259, Statutes of 2024
- Key date: Applies to covered new performances fixed on or after January 1, 2025.
Relationship to Other Law
[edit]AB 2602 complements AB 1836 and California right-of-publicity protections by focusing on live individuals and contract terms rather than postmortem likeness rights.
Litigation and Challenges
[edit]No major litigation or constitutional challenge has been identified as of May 9, 2026.
Practical Impact
[edit]AB 2602 is especially important for performers, voice actors, studios, agencies, and AI vendors using synthetic likeness or voice technology.
Criticism and Support
[edit]Public commentary generally framed the statute as part of California’s effort to regulate concrete AI harms while preserving innovation. Specific stakeholder positions should be tied to bill analyses, committee materials, or sourced public statements when expanded.
Current Status
[edit]As of May 9, 2026, the statute has been enacted. Operative obligations should be checked against the codified effective dates and any subsequent amendments, guidance, or litigation.
See Also
[edit]- United States State Legislation
- California AI Transparency Act
- Generative AI Transparency
- Deepfakes
- Automated Decision Systems