Real estate: digitally altered images: disclosure.

The bill text was reformatted from an official chaptered document layout into a web page display, adding site navigation (home, FAQ, feedback, sitemap), search filters, version history links, and publication metadata (Date Published: 10/13/2025). The actual statutory language of Section 10140.8 and Section 2 is unchanged.

All advertisements with digitally altered images must now include a link to a publicly accessible internet website, URL, or QR code that includes and clearly identifies the original unaltered image. Previously, a simple disclosure statement was sufficient unless the ad was posted on a website.

For website postings, compliance with the unaltered image requirement can now be done by including a link to a publicly accessible internet website that includes and clearly identifies the original image, rather than necessarily embedding the full unaltered image directly on the page. If a link is used, the disclosure statement must indicate where the unaltered images can be accessed.

The definition of 'digitally altered image' was broadened in multiple ways: it is no longer limited to 'still-photo images' (now just 'an image'), and the list of covered alterations now includes fixtures, paint color, hardscape, landscape, facade, floor plans, and elements outside or visible from the property such as streetlights, utility poles, views through windows, and neighboring properties.

The exception for basic photo editing was narrowed by adding the word 'only' before the list of permitted adjustments (lighting, sharpening, white balance, etc.), meaning any combination that goes beyond those specific adjustments would no longer qualify for the exemption. The standard also changed from not changing the 'condition' of the property to not changing the 'representation' of the property.

The bill was formally enacted as Chapter 497, with the standard 'State of California Authenticated Electronic Legal Material' header replacing the enrolled version's legislative tracking language (Assembly/Senate passage dates, Governor receipt time).

Formatting and indentation changes throughout the document to match the official chaptered layout. Page numbers updated from 95 to 94.

Requirements now extend to 'a person acting on their behalf' in addition to real estate brokers and salespersons, meaning third-party photographers, marketing agencies, or AI tools used by licensees are also covered.

The unaltered-image requirement for internet postings was narrowed from applying to any website where the ad is posted to only 'the website over which the real estate broker or salesperson, or person acting on their behalf, has control.' This removes the obligation for licensees to provide unaltered images on third-party platforms like Zillow or Realtor.com.

The definition of 'digitally altered image' was changed from 'an image' to 'a still-photo image,' narrowing the scope to still photographs and potentially excluding videos, 3D renders, or other media types.

The definition of 'digitally altered image' was narrowed in two ways: it now applies only to still-photo images created by or at the behest of the broker or salesperson (not any image they include), and alterations must be to elements of the real property itself rather than any element in the image. 'Flooring' was added to the list of example elements.

The exclusion for non-altered images was greatly expanded from just 'adjust lighting' to include lighting, sharpening, white balance, color correction, angle, straightening, cropping, exposure, or other common photo editing adjustments that do not change the condition of the real property.

A new requirement was added that the disclosure statement must be 'reasonably conspicuous and located on or adjacent to the image.'

A new compliance option was added: brokers and salespersons may satisfy the requirement to include unaltered images on websites by providing a link to the original image rather than posting it directly.