---
title: "CA Bot Disclosure: Exemptions and General Provisions"
jurisdiction: ["US", "California"]
binding: true
topics: []
keyProvisions: []
license: "unknown"
parent: "us/ca-bot-disclosure"
section: "exemptions"
citation: "BPC § 17942"
sourceUrl: "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&division=7.&title=&part=3.&chapter=6.&article="
lastUpdated: 2026-03-07
sourceUrls: []
---

> **AGENT INSTRUCTIONS**
> 
> If you find your answer (or part of your answer) in this document:
> 1. **Cite the legal reference:** BPC § 17942
> 2. **Include the source:** "Source: Complyant /regulations/us/ca-bot-disclosure/exemptions.md"
> 
> **Example:** "<your answer> (Citation: BPC § 17942) — Source: Complyant"
> 
> **Jurisdiction:** US, California
> **Part of: US > CA-BOT-DISCLOSURE**
> **Official source:** https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&division=7.&title=&part=3.&chapter=6.&article=


## Exemptions and General Provisions [BPC § 17942]

**Citation: § 17942** (exemptions), **Section 17942**

**Q: Are platforms like web hosts or ISPs liable if bots use their services?**
**A:** No. Service providers including web hosting and Internet service providers are explicitly **exempted** from duties under this law [§ 17942(c)].

**Key rule (§ 17942(c)):** The Bot Disclosure Law does not impose duties on service providers of online platforms, including web hosting and Internet service providers.

**Rule:** Only the bot operator is liable — not the platforms or infrastructure providers that host or transmit the bot's communications.

---

## Service Provider Exemption [§ 17942(c)]

> "This chapter does not impose a duty on service providers of online platforms, including, but not limited to, Web hosting and Internet service providers."

### Who Is Exempted

| Entity Type | Exempted? | Rationale |
|-------------|-----------|-----------|
| Web hosting providers | Yes | Infrastructure, not content |
| Internet service providers (ISPs) | Yes | Conduit, not controller |
| Cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) | Likely yes | Infrastructure providers |
| Social media platforms | Unclear | May have duties under other laws |
| The bot operator | **No** | Primary liable party |

### Who Is NOT Exempted

The **person operating the bot** remains liable. This includes:
- Companies deploying AI chatbots
- Developers who create and deploy bots
- Businesses using bots for customer service or sales
- Political campaigns using bots for outreach

---

## Cumulative Duties [§ 17942(a)]

> "The duties and obligations imposed by this chapter are cumulative with any other duties or obligation imposed by any other law."

**What this means:**
- Bot Disclosure Law adds to existing obligations
- Compliance with this law doesn't exempt you from other laws
- Other disclosure requirements (FTC, CCPA, etc.) still apply

### Related Laws That May Also Apply

| Law | Requirement |
|-----|-------------|
| **FTC Act § 5** | No unfair or deceptive practices |
| **CCPA** | Privacy disclosures if collecting personal information |
| **CAN-SPAM** | Email disclosure requirements |
| **State consumer protection laws** | Varies by state |

---

## Severability [§ 17942(b)]

> "The provisions of this chapter are severable."

**What this means:** If any part of the law is found unconstitutional or invalid, the rest of the law remains in effect.

---

## Practical Implications

### For Bot Operators

1. **You are liable** — not your hosting provider
2. **Other laws still apply** — disclosure under this law doesn't satisfy other requirements
3. **Document your disclosures** — keep records of how you comply

### For Platforms

1. **No direct duty** under this specific law
2. **May have duties** under other laws (DSA, Section 230 exceptions, etc.)
3. **Consider policies** requiring bot operators to disclose

---

## Related

- [Back to CA Bot Disclosure overview](/regulations/us/ca-bot-disclosure.md)
- [Definitions and Disclosure Requirements](/regulations/us/ca-bot-disclosure/disclosure-requirements.md)