In one paragraph
Washington's AI content provenance law (Chapter 167, Laws of 2026, effective February 1, 2027). Providers of generative AI systems with more than 1,000,000 monthly users that are publicly available in Washington must, where commercially and technically reasonable, embed provenance data in images, video and audio their systems create or materially alter, made hard to remove; a common standard such as C2PA complies. Business-to-business uses, video game experiences and upscaling or compression tools are excluded. Only the Attorney General enforces it, under the Consumer Protection Act. Separately, government agencies must tell consumers when they are interacting with an AI system.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
By February 1, 2027, large consumer generative AI providers serving Washington should embed durable provenance data (e.g. C2PA) in AI-generated images, video and audio.
Key provisions
- Covered provider: produces a generative AI system with over 1,000,000 monthly users, publicly accessible in Washington for personal use (governments excluded)
- Provenance data in image, video and audio content created or materially altered by the system, where commercially and technically reasonable; hard to remove or tamper with
- A commonly supported standard such as the C2PA specification counts as compliant; no personal information required in provenance data
- Minor edits (brightness, filters, cropping, resizing, format conversion, noise removal) are not 'material alterations'
- Excludes business-to-business uses, exclusively video game or interactive experiences, and upscaling, noise-reduction or compression systems
- Attorney General only: violations are unfair or deceptive acts under the Consumer Protection Act; waivers are void
- Government agencies offering AI systems that interact with consumers must disclose it clearly, in plain language, without dark patterns
- Signed March 24, 2026; effective February 1, 2027
Latest legislative action
Mar 24, 2026. Governor signed; Chapter 167, 2026 Laws; effective date 2/1/2027
Sponsors (showing 5 of 9)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Shavers | Primary |
| Fosse | Cosponsor |
| Hill | Cosponsor |
| Ormsby | Cosponsor |
| Pollet | Cosponsor |
Roll call votes
Final Passage: Passage as Amended by the Senate (#1) Mar 11, 2026
55 yea38 nay5 otherPassed
3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (#28) Mar 4, 2026
46 yea3 nayPassed
3rd Reading & Final Passage (#9) Feb 13, 2026
56 yea37 nay5 otherPassed
Topics and industries
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error