AB-410
Technology & Innovation

Bots: disclosure.

Engrossed
CA
2025-2026 Regular Session
5
7
Track

Key Takeaways

  • Requires automated online accounts using AI to disclose they are bots when first communicating with users.
  • Mandates bots to answer truthfully when asked if they are human or automated.
  • Authorizes state officials to impose $1,000 fines per violation of bot disclosure requirements.

Summary

Assembly Member Wilson's bot disclosure legislation redefines California's approach to automated online accounts by establishing new transparency requirements for artificial intelligence interactions. The measure updates existing state law to address generative AI technology, requiring automated accounts that could reasonably be mistaken for humans to clearly identify their non-human status.

The bill modifies the definition of "bot" to specifically encompass automated accounts and applications powered by generative artificial intelligence - systems capable of producing synthetic content like text, images, video and audio. Under the proposed requirements, bot operators must disclose the automated nature of the account upon first contact with users, provide truthful responses about the bot's identity when asked, and avoid attempts to mislead users about its non-human status. The disclosure requirements apply to bots used in commercial transactions and election-related communications, though operators subject to stricter disclosure rules under other laws would be exempt.

To enforce these provisions, the bill authorizes the Attorney General, district attorneys, county counsel, and city attorneys/prosecutors to pursue civil actions against violators. Available remedies include injunctive relief and civil penalties of $1,000 per violation. The measure maintains existing prohibitions on using undisclosed bots to deceive users about commercial transactions or influence votes, while adding new specificity around disclosure timing and truthfulness requirements.

Key Dates

Next Step
Referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Rules
Next Step
Senate Committee
Referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Rules
Hearing has not been scheduled yet
Vote on Assembly Floor
Assembly Floor
Vote on Assembly Floor
AB 410 Wilson Assembly Third Reading
Assembly Appropriations Hearing
Assembly Committee
Assembly Appropriations Hearing
Do pass
Assembly Privacy And Consumer Protection Hearing
Assembly Committee
Assembly Privacy And Consumer Protection Hearing
Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations]
Introduced
Assembly Floor
Introduced
Read first time. To print.

Contacts

Profile
Shannon GroveR
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Brian JonesR
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Mike McGuireD
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Eloise ReyesD
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
John LairdD
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
0 of 7 row(s) selected.
Page 1 of 2
Select All Legislators
Profile
Shannon GroveR
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Brian JonesR
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Mike McGuireD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Eloise ReyesD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
John LairdD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Mia BontaD
Assemblymember
Bill Author
Profile
Lori WilsonD
Assemblymember
Bill Author

Get Involved

Act Now!

Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

Introduced By

Lori Wilson
Lori WilsonD
California State Assembly Member
Co-Author
Mia Bonta
Mia BontaD
California State Assembly Member
40% progression
Bill has passed all readings in its first house and is ready to move to the other house (6/3/2025)

Latest Voting History

June 3, 2025
PASS
Assembly Floor
Vote on Assembly Floor
AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
772079PASS

Key Takeaways

  • Requires automated online accounts using AI to disclose they are bots when first communicating with users.
  • Mandates bots to answer truthfully when asked if they are human or automated.
  • Authorizes state officials to impose $1,000 fines per violation of bot disclosure requirements.

Get Involved

Act Now!

Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

Introduced By

Lori Wilson
Lori WilsonD
California State Assembly Member
Co-Author
Mia Bonta
Mia BontaD
California State Assembly Member

Summary

Assembly Member Wilson's bot disclosure legislation redefines California's approach to automated online accounts by establishing new transparency requirements for artificial intelligence interactions. The measure updates existing state law to address generative AI technology, requiring automated accounts that could reasonably be mistaken for humans to clearly identify their non-human status.

The bill modifies the definition of "bot" to specifically encompass automated accounts and applications powered by generative artificial intelligence - systems capable of producing synthetic content like text, images, video and audio. Under the proposed requirements, bot operators must disclose the automated nature of the account upon first contact with users, provide truthful responses about the bot's identity when asked, and avoid attempts to mislead users about its non-human status. The disclosure requirements apply to bots used in commercial transactions and election-related communications, though operators subject to stricter disclosure rules under other laws would be exempt.

To enforce these provisions, the bill authorizes the Attorney General, district attorneys, county counsel, and city attorneys/prosecutors to pursue civil actions against violators. Available remedies include injunctive relief and civil penalties of $1,000 per violation. The measure maintains existing prohibitions on using undisclosed bots to deceive users about commercial transactions or influence votes, while adding new specificity around disclosure timing and truthfulness requirements.

40% progression
Bill has passed all readings in its first house and is ready to move to the other house (6/3/2025)

Key Dates

Next Step
Referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Rules
Next Step
Senate Committee
Referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Rules
Hearing has not been scheduled yet
Vote on Assembly Floor
Assembly Floor
Vote on Assembly Floor
AB 410 Wilson Assembly Third Reading
Assembly Appropriations Hearing
Assembly Committee
Assembly Appropriations Hearing
Do pass
Assembly Privacy And Consumer Protection Hearing
Assembly Committee
Assembly Privacy And Consumer Protection Hearing
Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations]
Introduced
Assembly Floor
Introduced
Read first time. To print.

Latest Voting History

June 3, 2025
PASS
Assembly Floor
Vote on Assembly Floor
AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
772079PASS

Contacts

Profile
Shannon GroveR
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Brian JonesR
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Mike McGuireD
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Eloise ReyesD
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
John LairdD
Senator
Committee Member
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
0 of 7 row(s) selected.
Page 1 of 2
Select All Legislators
Profile
Shannon GroveR
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Brian JonesR
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Mike McGuireD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Eloise ReyesD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
John LairdD
Senator
Committee Member
Profile
Mia BontaD
Assemblymember
Bill Author
Profile
Lori WilsonD
Assemblymember
Bill Author