CA SB970

Defines "artificial intelligence" and "synthetic content" (text, audio, videos, or images significantly modified or generated by algorithms) and deems their use to impersonate another person as false personation under existing criminal law, with intent inferred if a reasonable person would believe the synthetic content is genuine.

Clarifies that synthetic voices or likenesses that a reasonable person would believe to be genuine are deemed to be the voice or likeness of the person depicted for purposes of the civil cause of action against unauthorized use of a person's name, voice, signature, photograph, or likeness under Civil Code Section 3344.

Requires the Judicial Council by January 1, 2026 to review the impact of artificial intelligence on evidence introduction in court proceedings and develop any necessary rules of court to assist courts in assessing claims that evidence has been generated by or manipulated by artificial intelligence.

Requires any person or entity selling or providing access to artificial intelligence technology designed to create synthetic content to provide a consumer warning that misuse may result in civil or criminal liability, with the Department of Consumer Affairs to specify the warning form and post it on its website by January 1, 2026.

Establishes a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per day for failure to provide the consumer warning, enforceable by the Department of Consumer Affairs with penalties deposited into the General Fund.