Artificial intelligence technology.

Senator Ashby's artificial intelligence legislation establishes new requirements for AI technology providers while expanding civil and criminal protections against unauthorized digital replications of individuals. The bill requires providers of AI systems capable of creating digital replicas to display prominent warnings about potential legal liability for misuse, with violations subject to civil penalties up to $10,000 per day.

The legislation amends California's existing right of publicity law to explicitly include AI-generated "digital replicas" within its scope, allowing individuals to pursue civil claims when their likeness is used without consent. It also clarifies that using digital replicas to impersonate others constitutes false impersonation under the state's criminal code. Courts gain additional enforcement tools, including the ability to order removal of unauthorized digital content within two business days.

To address evidentiary challenges posed by artificial intelligence, the bill directs the Judicial Council to review AI's impact on evidence admissibility by January 2027 and develop court rules for evaluating AI-generated or manipulated evidence. The legislation exempts digital replicas created solely for in-game use that remain within video game environments.

The provisions take effect through a phased timeline, with the consumer warning requirement and Judicial Council review deadline set for late 2026. The bill's amendments expanding civil remedies are contingent on the passage of related legislation addressing the same statute.