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SB 683

Privacy: use of a person's name, voice, signature, photograph, or likeness: injunctive relief.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Cortese

SB 683 enables California residents to obtain court injunctions to immediately halt unauthorized commercial use of their name, voice, photo, or likeness, not just seek damages after the fact.

Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 590, Statutes of 2025.
#privacy #injunctiverelief #useofaperson'sname #voice #signature #photograph #orlikeness
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Bill Summary · SB 683

Legislative bill overview

SB 683 expands California's right of publicity law by allowing individuals to seek injunctive relief (court orders to stop ongoing violations) when their name, voice, signature, photograph, or likeness is used without permission. Previously, remedies were limited primarily to monetary damages after the fact. The bill strengthens enforcement by enabling people to halt unauthorized use before it causes further harm.

Why is this important

Right of publicity protections affect anyone whose image or identity could be commercially exploited—from celebrities to everyday people whose photos might be misused in advertisements or deepfakes. This law gives individuals a faster legal tool to stop ongoing violations rather than waiting for a trial and hoping damages compensate the loss. It's particularly relevant as AI technology makes unauthorized reproduction of likenesses easier and more scalable.

Potential points of contention

  • Free speech concerns: Injunctive relief can prevent speech before it occurs, raising First Amendment questions about whether this overrides legitimate uses (parody, commentary, news reporting, transformative works)
  • Burden on defendants: The lower standard to obtain preliminary injunctions may allow frivolous suits that chill legitimate expression while cases are pending, even if defendants ultimately win
  • Definitional ambiguity: Terms like "use" and "likeness" remain subject to interpretation, potentially creating uncertainty about what triggers liability and leaving courts to develop standards through litigation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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