Washington AI Content Disclosure Act (HB 1170)
Effective date
Penalty
Enforced by Washington AG under Consumer Protection Act.
Obligations mapped
3 obligations
Overview
AI content provenance and watermarking requirements for providers with 1 million or more monthly Washington users. Requires latent disclosures (watermarks) in AI-generated image, video, and audio content. Extended implementation period to January 1, 2028. Only applies to providers with 1 million or more monthly Washington users. Closely aligned with California SB 942 (California AI Transparency Act). AG-exclusive enforcement under the Consumer Protection Act. No private right of action.
This is an AI-specific state law.
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Who this applies to
This regulation applies to the following roles:
- Developers of covered AI systems
- Deployers and users of covered AI systems
- Organizations operating in Washington
This regulation applies to both companies that build AI products and companies that use AI tools from other vendors.
Sec. 2(1) · Sec. 2(2) and related sections
AI categories covered
- Consumer-facing AI
- General purpose AI
- Government AI use
Specific AI use cases:
- Content generation
- synthetic media manipulation
- voice likeness synthesis
- political synthetic media
What this requires you to do
3 obligations identified from statutory analysis.
Sec. 6
Sec. 2(1)
Sec. 2(2)
Regulation summaries are simplified for readability and may not capture every nuance of the underlying statute. Verify important details against primary sources linked on this page.
Enforcement and penalties
Enforced by Washington AG under Consumer Protection Act.
Penalty amounts are based on statutory text and may be subject to adjustment, judicial interpretation, or enforcement discretion.
Legislative history
effective
Takes effect (extended implementation period)
signed
Signed by Governor Ferguson
signed
Passed both chambers
introduced
HB 1170 reintroduced in 2025-2026 session
introduced
Earlier version passed committee but did not reach House floor
Related regulations
- UpcomingAI-Specific
California AI Transparency Act (SB 942)
The California AI Transparency Act requires creators of large generative AI systems to provide free AI detection tools, embed provenance metadata in AI-generated content, and offer visible disclosure options. Large platforms must detect and preserve provenance data.
Effective
- UpcomingAI-Specific
Washington SB 5395 (AI in Health Insurance Prior Authorization)
Enacted as Chapter 157, Laws of 2026; Governor signed March 23, 2026; effective June 11, 2026. AI tools may be used to approve prior authorization requests but may not deny care without human review by a licensed physician or health professional. Where applicable, managed care organizations may need to report the percentage of total denials aided by AI. Periodic performance reviews of AI tools may be required for accuracy and reliability.
Effective
- In EffectPrivacy ADM
Washington My Health My Data Act
Broad health data privacy law covering health data collected outside HIPAA, including data from health-related AI tools, wearables, and wellness apps. Defines consumer health data extremely broadly to include data not typically considered health-related: biometric data, bodily function data, and inferences derived from non-health data. Applies to Washington residents and any person whose health data is collected in Washington (potential extraterritorial reach). Much broader than reproductive health alone: it covers all consumer health data outside HIPAA. Geofencing ban around healthcare facilities effective July 2023. Regulated entities: compliance from March 31, 2024; small businesses from June 30, 2024. Multiple lawsuits filed, establishing early case law.
Effective
- In EffectAI-Specific
Washington Election Deepfake Disclosure (SB 6280)
Requires clear and conspicuous disclosure when AI-generated or AI-manipulated media is used in political advertising or communications. One of the first state laws specifically targeting deepfakes in elections.
Effective
- In EffectAI-Specific
Washington Fabricated Intimate Images (2024)
Criminalizes creation and distribution of AI-generated intimate images without consent. Provides civil remedies for victims.
Effective
- In EffectAI-Specific
Washington Forged Digital Likenesses (HB 2459)
Extends Washington's existing forgery and identity theft statutes to cover AI-generated digital likenesses used for fraudulent purposes.
Effective
- UpcomingAI-Specific
Washington AI Chatbot Safety for Minors (HB 2225)
First-in-nation law requiring AI chatbot operators to disclose AI nature at regular intervals (every 3 hours for adults, every hour for minors) and implement safety measures to protect minors from manipulation, explicit content, and emotional exploitation. Includes self-harm and crisis protocols. Targets conversational AI engagement patterns specifically.
Effective
Washington AI regulation guide lists every tracked rule for this jurisdiction with timelines and obligation tallies.
Regulation summaries are simplified for readability and may not capture every nuance of the underlying statute. Verify important details against primary sources linked on this page.