Introduction
As of February 2025 [1], California has significantly increased its legislative efforts to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), introducing numerous bills aimed at addressing various aspects of AI technology. This legislative activity reflects a broader trend of increased regulatory focus on AI at both state and federal levels in the United States, as well as internationally.
Description
As of February 18, 2025 [1], California has introduced 19 AI-related bills [1], an increase from 11 on February 5, 2025 [1]. This legislative push includes 18 new laws implemented on January 1, 2025, aimed at regulating various aspects of artificial intelligence [2], such as deepfake technology, AI transparency [2] [3], data privacy [2], and the application of AI in healthcare [2]. Key legislation includes AB 222 [1], which mandates data center operators to report energy usage related to AI model development [1], and AB 410 [1] [3], which updates the state’s “Bot” law to prohibit undisclosed bot usage on large online platforms [1]. Notably, AB 2885 establishes a standard definition of AI [3], while AB 2013 requires developers to disclose datasets used for training generative AI systems [3].
Additional laws address the protection of performers’ rights and prohibit non-consensual deepfake pornography [3], with AB 1831 and SB 926 expanding existing laws to include AI-generated content related to child pornography and non-consensual deepfake pornography [3], respectively [3]. SB 981 mandates social media platforms to implement reporting tools for sexually explicit digital identity theft [3]. AB 2602 protects individuals from unauthorized use of their digital replicas [3], and AB 1836 restricts the commercial use of deceased personalities’ likenesses without consent [3]. Furthermore, AB 2655 and AB 2839 regulate deceptive election-related content [3], imposing specific requirements on large online platforms and political advertisements [3].
In healthcare [2] [3], AB 3030 mandates disclaimers for AI communications [3], and SB 1120 restricts AI’s role in determining medical necessity [3]. New laws clarify that AI-generated data is treated as personal information under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), with SB 1223 categorizing neural data as sensitive personal information [3]. Regulations for government and educational institutions include SB 896 [3], which governs state agencies’ use of generative AI [3], and AB 2876 [3], which incorporates AI literacy into K-12 curricula [3]. A working group established by SB 1288 will develop guidance on AI use in public schools [3].
State regulators have provided legal advisories on AI [1], with the California Attorney General clarifying that existing laws [1], such as consumer protection laws and the CCPA [1], are applicable to AI [1]. Similarly [1], the Oregon Attorney General has addressed how state laws may impact AI usage [1].
At the federal level, 13 AI bills have been introduced [1], up from eight earlier in February 2025 [1]. Current legislation remains piecemeal [1], lacking a comprehensive framework like the EU AI Act [1]. The first compliance deadline on February 2, 2025 [1], focused on prohibiting high-risk AI systems [1], though it received little attention [1]. A new Executive Order [1], titled “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence,” has been signed [1], calling for the development of an Artificial Intelligence Act Plan [1]. The FTC [1], under new leadership [1], has concentrated its enforcement actions on deceptive practices related to AI [1].
In the EU [1], the next compliance deadline for the EU AI Act is set for August 2, 2026 [1], focusing on high-risk use cases [1]. The European Data Protection Board has also issued an opinion on data protection aspects concerning AI models [1], addressing issues of anonymity in data processing [1].
Organizations are encouraged to focus on actionable aspects of AI [1], including customer expectations regarding AI use [1], methodologies for vetting AI training sets [1], disclosures related to chatbots [1], and internal policies for AI tool usage [1]. Future discussions will delve into these specific tasks and ongoing regulatory developments [1].
Conclusion
The legislative developments in California and at the federal level in the United States, alongside international efforts, underscore the growing recognition of the need for comprehensive AI regulation. These measures aim to address the ethical, privacy [1] [2] [3], and security challenges posed by AI technologies. As AI continues to evolve, ongoing regulatory efforts will play a crucial role in shaping its responsible and ethical use, ensuring that technological advancements align with societal values and legal standards.
References
[1] https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/the-24-hour-ai-news-cycle-a-snapshot-a-4429240/
[2] https://consumer-protection-dispatch.pillsburylaw.com/california-ai-laws/
[3] https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/california-s-ai-laws-are-here-is-your-8300093/
