CA SB1001

Makes it unlawful for any person to use a bot to communicate or interact with another person in California online with intent to mislead about its artificial identity for purposes of deceiving them about communication content to incentivize a commercial transaction or influence an election vote.

Requires clear, conspicuous disclosure that a communication is from a bot; persons using bots are not liable under this section if they provide such disclosure.

Defines "bot" as an automated online account where all or substantially all actions or posts are not the result of a person.

Applies to online platforms defined as public-facing Internet websites, web applications, or digital applications with 10 million or more unique monthly United States visitors or users for a majority of months during the preceding 12 months.

Becomes operative on July 1, 2019; does not impose duties on service providers of online platforms such as web hosting and internet service providers.