CAL.Regulation
California extends likeness and impersonation laws to AI digital replicas
Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1111 on September 30, 2026. From January 1, 2027, the Civil Code cause of action for using a person's voice or likeness without consent covers digital replicas, defined as computer-generated, highly realistic representations of a person who did not perform or whose performance was materially altered. Using a digital replica to impersonate someone counts as false impersonation under the Penal Code.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) → · Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
Key points
- SB 1111 amends Civil Code section 3344 and adds Penal Code Chapter 9, commencing with section 540, effective January 1, 2027.California Legislative Information
- Under section 3344, a voice or likeness includes a digital replica used without consent for the purposes the statute covers.California Legislative Information
- A digital replica is a computer-generated, highly realistic voice or visual likeness of someone who did not perform, or whose performance was materially altered.California Legislative Information
- The bill removes the rebuttable presumption that an employer's incidental use of an employee's photograph or likeness in an advertisement was not knowing.California Legislative Information
- False impersonation under the Penal Code includes using a digital replica with intent to impersonate another person.California Legislative Information
- Newsom signed SB 1111, by Senator Angelique Ashby, on September 30, 2026, as part of a package of AI bills.Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
Sources2 articles across 2 outlets
California Legislative Information
Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
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