California Social Media Deepfake Reporting (SB 981)
In effect since
Overview
Requires social media platforms to provide a mechanism for users to report sexually explicit digital identity theft including deepfakes. Platforms must immediately remove content upon report where reasonable basis exists.
This is an AI-specific state law.
California AI regulation guide lists every tracked rule for this jurisdiction with timelines and obligation tallies.
Who this applies to
This regulation targets specific entity types named in the statute (for example government agencies, platforms, or political committees). It is not a general obligation on every private AI developer or deployer. Read the overview and source text to confirm whether your organization is covered.
AI categories covered
- Consumer-facing AI
- General purpose AI
Specific AI use cases:
- Content generation
What this requires you to do
reporting
reporting. Review this obligation in the source text.
Consumer notification required
Notify consumers. Inform consumers about how AI affects decisions that impact them.
prohibited practices
prohibited practices. Review this obligation in the source text.
Enforcement and penalties
Under existing platform regulation frameworks.
Legislative history
How this law got here
- effective
Takes effect
- signed
Signed by Governor Newsom
Source
Read the full text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB981
Last verified: April 9, 2026
Always verify current language and amendments at the official source.
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