View source for News California SB 1142 Digital Dignity Act Judiciary 2026

California's '''SB 1142''', the '''Digital Dignity Act''', sponsored by Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 22, 2026, advancing to the Appropriations Committee. The bill was re-referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee on April 23, 2026, following second reading and amendment. The bill extends protections against unauthorized AI-generated digital replicas to all California residents and imposes new obligations on large online platforms.<ref name="becker">[https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB1142 California SB 1142 Bill Text]</ref><ref name="transparency">[https://www.transparencycoalition.ai/news/ai-legislative-update-april24-2026 Transparency Coalition, "AI Legislative Update — April 24, 2026"]</ref>

== Background ==

Senator Becker introduced SB 1142 on February 19, 2026, building on his prior California AI Transparency Act (SB 942, signed in 2024). The bill addresses gaps in existing California law, which primarily protects performers and deceased individuals from unauthorized use of their likeness, by extending digital replica protections to all residents.<ref name="transparency" />

== Key Provisions ==

=== Revocation Mechanism ===
Platforms must provide a tool for users to revoke access to their digital replica created by others at any time. A court order can enforce revocation requests.<ref name="transparency" /><ref name="becker" />

=== Terms of Service and Reporting ===
Platforms' terms must prohibit unlawful digital replicas and must establish a reporting mechanism and response process for violations.<ref name="transparency" />

=== Takedown Requirements ===
Upon court order, platforms must remove or cease distribution of violating content within two business days.<ref name="transparency" />

=== Enhanced Liability ===
The bill adds penalties for distributors with actual knowledge of replicas violating criminal impersonation, defamation, or right-of-publicity laws.<ref name="transparency" />

=== Recordkeeping ===
Generative AI providers must retain records for at least 90 days to comply with court orders from city attorneys or the Attorney General.<ref name="transparency" />

=== Clarification of Crimes ===
SB 1142 explicitly includes digital replicas in false impersonation laws under California Penal Code, making it clear that using a digital replica to impersonate someone constitutes fraud.<ref name="transparency" />

== Legislative History ==

* '''February 19, 2026''': Introduced by Senator Becker<ref name="becker" />
* '''April 6-7, 2026''': Heard in Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee<ref name="transparency" />
* '''April 22, 2026''': Passed Senate Judiciary Committee 12-0; sent to Appropriations<ref name="transparency" />

== Criticism ==

Groups including the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) have raised First Amendment concerns, arguing that the notice-and-takedown process risks over-removal of protected speech like satire without judicial review.<ref name="transparency" />

== Related Bills ==

* [[News California-Washington-Advance-AI-Bills-April-2026|California and Washington Advance New AI Bills (April 8, 2026)]] — Earlier SB 1142 coverage
* [[News California-AI-Bills-Advance-to-Appropriations-2026|California AI Bills Advance to Appropriations (April 22, 2026)]]
* [[News California-SB-1015-Deepfake-Extortion-2026|California SB 1015 Deepfake Extortion]]
* [[News California-SB-813-AI-Safety-Commission-2026|California SB 813 AI Safety Commission]]

== References ==

<references />

[[Category:State Legislation]]
[[Category:California]]
[[Category:Deepfakes]]
[[Category:Transparency]]