WHAT THIS BILL REGULATES · 2 REQUIREMENT TYPES
How Is This Bill Enforced
Verbatim statutory text on the left; plain-language analysis and a per-section checklist on the right. Numbered markers cross-link to the matching checklist row.
§ 1150. Legislative intent. The legislature hereby finds that: 1. New York is the center of the American news industry and journalists are a key part of the state's workforce. 2. Artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence", "artificial intelligence technology", or "AI" means a machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments, and that uses machine- and human-based inputs to perceive real and virtual environments, abstract such perceptions into models through analysis in an automated manner, and use model inference to formulate options for information or action.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(1) can quickly generate articles, summaries, news scripts, audio/visual and other media content that may seem professionally done to a lay observer. However, there is ample evidence that content created by generative artificial intelligenceGenerative artificial intelligence"Generative artificial intelligence" means a class of artificial intelligence models that are self-supervised and emulate the structure and characteristics of input data to generate derived synthetic content, including, but not limited to, images, videos, audio, text, and other digital content.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(3): (a) contains false or misleading content; and (b) plagiarizes by deriving its content from original source material without permission or proper citation. These failures are a disservice to the public who relies on the news for accurate information about the world. 3. As such, the government has a strong interest in the preservation of human news work. There is an urgent need to prevent news companies from using artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence", "artificial intelligence technology", or "AI" means a machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments, and that uses machine- and human-based inputs to perceive real and virtual environments, abstract such perceptions into models through analysis in an automated manner, and use model inference to formulate options for information or action.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(1) at the expense of both the broader public and of news workers, including human reporters, editors, news writers, directors, producers, voice actors, graphic designers and other newsroom professionals. 4. It is therefore the intent of the legislature to establish clear, meaningful protections for both journalists and the broader public to ensure that the integrity of the news and its workforce are safeguarded.
Section 1150 sets out the legislature's findings and intent. It declares that New York is the center of the American news industry, that AI-generated content often contains false or misleading information and plagiarizes source material, and that the government has a strong interest in preserving human news work. These are legislative findings only and impose no compliance obligations.
(1) "Artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence", "artificial intelligence technology", or "AI" means a machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments, and that uses machine- and human-based inputs to perceive real and virtual environments, abstract such perceptions into models through analysis in an automated manner, and use model inference to formulate options for information or action.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(1)", "artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence", "artificial intelligence technology", or "AI" means a machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments, and that uses machine- and human-based inputs to perceive real and virtual environments, abstract such perceptions into models through analysis in an automated manner, and use model inference to formulate options for information or action.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(1) technology", or "AI" means a machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments, and that uses machine- and human-based inputs to perceive real and virtual environments, abstract such perceptions into models through analysis in an automated manner, and use model inference to formulate options for information or action.
(2) "Automated employment decision-making toolAutomated employment decision-making tool"Automated employment decision-making tool" shall mean any software that uses algorithms, computational models, or artificial intelligence techniques, or a combination thereof, to materially automate or replace human decision-making regarding employment, including but not limited to wages and other compensation, hiring, selection for recruitment, discipline, promotion, and termination. "Automated employment decision-making tool" shall not include any software used primarily for basic computerized processes, such as calculators, spellcheck tools, autocorrect functions, spreadsheets, electronic communications, or any tool that relates only to internal management affairs such as ordering office supplies or processing payments, and that do not materially affect the rights, liberties, benefits, safety or welfare of any individual within the state.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(2)" shall mean any software that uses algorithms, computational models, or artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence", "artificial intelligence technology", or "AI" means a machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments, and that uses machine- and human-based inputs to perceive real and virtual environments, abstract such perceptions into models through analysis in an automated manner, and use model inference to formulate options for information or action.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(1) techniques, or a combination thereof, to materially automate or replace human decision-making regarding employment, including but not limited to wages and other compensation, hiring, selection for recruitment, discipline, promotion, and termination. "Automated employment decision-making toolAutomated employment decision-making tool"Automated employment decision-making tool" shall mean any software that uses algorithms, computational models, or artificial intelligence techniques, or a combination thereof, to materially automate or replace human decision-making regarding employment, including but not limited to wages and other compensation, hiring, selection for recruitment, discipline, promotion, and termination. "Automated employment decision-making tool" shall not include any software used primarily for basic computerized processes, such as calculators, spellcheck tools, autocorrect functions, spreadsheets, electronic communications, or any tool that relates only to internal management affairs such as ordering office supplies or processing payments, and that do not materially affect the rights, liberties, benefits, safety or welfare of any individual within the state.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(2)" shall not include any software used primarily for basic computerized processes, such as calculators, spellcheck tools, autocorrect functions, spreadsheets, electronic communications, or any tool that relates only to internal management affairs such as ordering office supplies or processing payments, and that do not materially affect the rights, liberties, benefits, safety or welfare of any individual within the state.
(3) "Generative artificial intelligenceGenerative artificial intelligence"Generative artificial intelligence" means a class of artificial intelligence models that are self-supervised and emulate the structure and characteristics of input data to generate derived synthetic content, including, but not limited to, images, videos, audio, text, and other digital content.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(3)" means a class of artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence", "artificial intelligence technology", or "AI" means a machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments, and that uses machine- and human-based inputs to perceive real and virtual environments, abstract such perceptions into models through analysis in an automated manner, and use model inference to formulate options for information or action.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(1) models that are self-supervised and emulate the structure and characteristics of input data to generate derived synthetic content, including, but not limited to, images, videos, audio, text, and other digital content.
(4) "News mediaNews media"News media" shall mean any publication or programming, regardless of the medium or method of distribution, that provides news, weather, traffic, sports, or entertainment reports or programming. This includes but is not limited to newspapers, magazines, journals, periodicals, websites, newsletters, television or cable programming, radio or podcast programming, and internet or satellite-based content.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(4)" shall mean any publication or programming, regardless of the medium or method of distribution, that provides news, weather, traffic, sports, or entertainment reports or programming. This includes but is not limited to newspapers, magazines, journals, periodicals, websites, newsletters, television or cable programming, radio or podcast programming, and internet or satellite-based content.
Section 1151 defines four key terms: artificial intelligence, automated employment decision-making tool, generative artificial intelligence, and news media. The AI definition tracks the National Defense Authorization Act formulation. The automated employment decision-making tool definition carves out basic computerized processes. The generative AI definition focuses on self-supervised models generating synthetic content. The news media definition is notably broad, encompassing any publication or programming providing news, weather, traffic, sports, or entertainment.
1 News media employersNews media employerNot formally defined in the bill; used throughout as the entity that employs news media workers and is subject to obligations under this article.Gen. Bus. Law § 1152 shall fully disclose to workers when and how any generative artificial intelligenceGenerative artificial intelligence"Generative artificial intelligence" means a class of artificial intelligence models that are self-supervised and emulate the structure and characteristics of input data to generate derived synthetic content, including, but not limited to, images, videos, audio, text, and other digital content.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(3) tool is used in the workplace as it relates to the creation of content, including, but not limited to, writing, recordings and transcripts. Such disclosure shall include a description of the artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence", "artificial intelligence technology", or "AI" means a machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments, and that uses machine- and human-based inputs to perceive real and virtual environments, abstract such perceptions into models through analysis in an automated manner, and use model inference to formulate options for information or action.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(1) system and a summary of the purpose and use of such system.
Section 1152 requires news media employers to fully disclose to their workers when and how any generative AI tool is used in the workplace for content creation. The disclosure must include a description of the AI system and a summary of its purpose and use. This is a worker-facing transparency obligation — distinct from the consumer-facing labeling in § 1153. The scope covers any use of generative AI related to content creation, including writing, recordings, and transcripts.
2 Any news mediaNews media"News media" shall mean any publication or programming, regardless of the medium or method of distribution, that provides news, weather, traffic, sports, or entertainment reports or programming. This includes but is not limited to newspapers, magazines, journals, periodicals, websites, newsletters, television or cable programming, radio or podcast programming, and internet or satellite-based content.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(4) content published, broadcast, or otherwise disseminated or accessible within the state of New York, which was substantially composed, authored, or otherwise created through the use of generative artificial intelligenceGenerative artificial intelligence"Generative artificial intelligence" means a class of artificial intelligence models that are self-supervised and emulate the structure and characteristics of input data to generate derived synthetic content, including, but not limited to, images, videos, audio, text, and other digital content.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(3) shall conspicuously imprint on the top of the page, webpage, image, graphic, video or other visual or audio/visual content, or verbally orate at the onset of audio content, that such content was substantially created by generative artificial intelligenceGenerative artificial intelligence"Generative artificial intelligence" means a class of artificial intelligence models that are self-supervised and emulate the structure and characteristics of input data to generate derived synthetic content, including, but not limited to, images, videos, audio, text, and other digital content.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(3). If the content is eligible for copyright registration such disclosure requirement shall not apply.
Section 1153 requires conspicuous consumer-facing labeling of news media content substantially created by generative AI. The label must appear at the top of the page or webpage for visual content, or be verbally stated at the onset of audio content. However, the section includes a notable carve-out: the disclosure requirement does not apply if the content is eligible for copyright registration. Given that most professionally produced news content — even AI-assisted content — may be eligible for copyright registration under current U.S. Copyright Office guidance (which requires minimal human authorship for registration eligibility), this carve-out could significantly narrow the provision's practical scope.
3 Any news mediaNews media"News media" shall mean any publication or programming, regardless of the medium or method of distribution, that provides news, weather, traffic, sports, or entertainment reports or programming. This includes but is not limited to newspapers, magazines, journals, periodicals, websites, newsletters, television or cable programming, radio or podcast programming, and internet or satellite-based content.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(4) content, including stories, articles, audio, visuals or images, which are created in whole or in material part by generative artificial intelligenceGenerative artificial intelligence"Generative artificial intelligence" means a class of artificial intelligence models that are self-supervised and emulate the structure and characteristics of input data to generate derived synthetic content, including, but not limited to, images, videos, audio, text, and other digital content.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(3) shall be reviewed by a human worker who has the authority to approve, deny, or modify any decision recommended or made by the automated system before such content may be published with the disclosure under section eleven hundred fifty-three of this article.
Section 1154 imposes a human oversight requirement on AI-generated news content. Before any news content created in whole or in material part by generative AI may be published with the consumer disclosure required by § 1153, a human worker must review it with authority to approve, deny, or modify any AI-generated decision or output. This is a pre-publication human review gate — the human reviewer must have genuine override authority, not merely a rubber-stamp role.
(1) 4 News media employersNews media employerNot formally defined in the bill; used throughout as the entity that employs news media workers and is subject to obligations under this article.Gen. Bus. Law § 1152 shall not directly or through a third party authorize the training of a generative artificial intelligenceGenerative artificial intelligence"Generative artificial intelligence" means a class of artificial intelligence models that are self-supervised and emulate the structure and characteristics of input data to generate derived synthetic content, including, but not limited to, images, videos, audio, text, and other digital content.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(3) system on the work product of a news mediaNews media"News media" shall mean any publication or programming, regardless of the medium or method of distribution, that provides news, weather, traffic, sports, or entertainment reports or programming. This includes but is not limited to newspapers, magazines, journals, periodicals, websites, newsletters, television or cable programming, radio or podcast programming, and internet or satellite-based content.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(4) worker without notice, consent and an opportunity to bargain over appropriate remuneration. A news media employerNews media employerNot formally defined in the bill; used throughout as the entity that employs news media workers and is subject to obligations under this article.Gen. Bus. Law § 1152 shall not penalize a news mediaNews media"News media" shall mean any publication or programming, regardless of the medium or method of distribution, that provides news, weather, traffic, sports, or entertainment reports or programming. This includes but is not limited to newspapers, magazines, journals, periodicals, websites, newsletters, television or cable programming, radio or podcast programming, and internet or satellite-based content.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(4) worker for declining to consent to allow their work product to be used to train a generative artificial intelligenceGenerative artificial intelligence"Generative artificial intelligence" means a class of artificial intelligence models that are self-supervised and emulate the structure and characteristics of input data to generate derived synthetic content, including, but not limited to, images, videos, audio, text, and other digital content.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(3) system.
(2)(a) 5 The use of generative artificial intelligenceGenerative artificial intelligence"Generative artificial intelligence" means a class of artificial intelligence models that are self-supervised and emulate the structure and characteristics of input data to generate derived synthetic content, including, but not limited to, images, videos, audio, text, and other digital content.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(3) or automated employment decision-making toolsAutomated employment decision-making tool"Automated employment decision-making tool" shall mean any software that uses algorithms, computational models, or artificial intelligence techniques, or a combination thereof, to materially automate or replace human decision-making regarding employment, including but not limited to wages and other compensation, hiring, selection for recruitment, discipline, promotion, and termination. "Automated employment decision-making tool" shall not include any software used primarily for basic computerized processes, such as calculators, spellcheck tools, autocorrect functions, spreadsheets, electronic communications, or any tool that relates only to internal management affairs such as ordering office supplies or processing payments, and that do not materially affect the rights, liberties, benefits, safety or welfare of any individual within the state.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(2) shall not diminish (i) the existing rights of employees pursuant to an existing collective bargaining agreement; or (ii) the existing representational relationships among employee organizations or the bargaining relationships between the employer and an employee organization.
(2)(b) 6 The use of generative artificial intelligenceGenerative artificial intelligence"Generative artificial intelligence" means a class of artificial intelligence models that are self-supervised and emulate the structure and characteristics of input data to generate derived synthetic content, including, but not limited to, images, videos, audio, text, and other digital content.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(3) systems shall not result in: (i) discharge, displacement or loss of position, including partial displacement such as a reduction in the hours of non-overtime work, wages, or employment benefits, or result in the impairment of existing collective bargaining agreements; or (ii) transfer of existing duties and functions previously performed by employees or workers.
Section 1155 creates three distinct workplace protections. First, it prohibits news media employers from training generative AI on worker work product without notice, consent, and an opportunity to bargain over remuneration, and prohibits retaliation for refusal to consent. Second, it preserves existing collective bargaining rights from diminishment by AI or automated employment decision-making tools. Third, it categorically prohibits using generative AI to displace workers — including through discharge, partial displacement (reduced hours, wages, or benefits), impairment of collective bargaining agreements, or transfer of existing duties. The anti-displacement provision is unusually broad and goes beyond typical AI regulation into labor protection territory.
(h) 7 Employers of professional journalists and newscasters shall establish safeguards to protect journalistic sources and confidential materials gathered through location tracking, surveillance or any other means, which can be accessed by any artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence", "artificial intelligence technology", or "AI" means a machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments, and that uses machine- and human-based inputs to perceive real and virtual environments, abstract such perceptions into models through analysis in an automated manner, and use model inference to formulate options for information or action.Gen. Bus. Law § 1151(1) technology, as defined by section eleven hundred fifty-one of the general business law.
This provision amends the New York Civil Rights Law's Shield Law (§ 79-h) by adding a new subdivision requiring employers of professional journalists and newscasters to establish safeguards protecting journalistic sources and confidential materials from access by AI technology. The safeguards must cover materials that can be accessed through location tracking, surveillance, or any other means. This creates a data governance obligation specific to the intersection of AI systems and journalistic privilege.
If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision or section of this act shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision or section thereof directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered. It is hereby declared to be the intent of the legislature that this act would have been enacted even if such invalid provisions had not been included herein.
Standard severability provision declaring that if any part of the act is found invalid, the remainder continues in effect. Creates no compliance obligation.
This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law.
The act takes effect on the sixtieth day after it becomes law. No specific calendar date is set because the bill has not been enacted.