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WA HB1205: Prohibiting the knowing distribution of a forged digital likeness.

Effective Jul 27, 2025 Washington · 2025–2026 session

Last verified Oct 12, 2026 · official bill text

HB1205 · where it stands

All steps complete
  1. Introduced Complete
  2. Passed first chamber Complete
  3. Passed both chambers Complete
  4. Enacted Complete
  5. Effective Since Jul 27, 2025
What do these statuses mean?
Introduced
Filed in the legislature; may be waiting for a committee hearing.
Passed a chamber
Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action.
Enacted
Signed into law, or became law without a signature or over a veto.
Effective date
The date the law says it takes effect. Once it has passed, the page shows "Effective" and the date. A court order can still block a law; if we know of one, the summary says so.
Dead / vetoed
Vetoed, failed, or the session ended without action.

In one paragraph

Washington's Chapter 51, Laws of 2025 (SHB 1205) adds deepfakes to criminal impersonation. A forged digital likeness is a visual representation or audio recording of a real, identifiable person that is digitally created or altered to be indistinguishable from a genuine one, misrepresents their appearance, speech or conduct, and is likely to deceive (RCW 9A.60.010). Knowingly distributing one as genuine with intent to defraud, harass, threaten or intimidate, or for another unlawful purpose, is criminal impersonation in the second degree (RCW 9A.60.045), a gross misdemeanor. Newsworthy, political, artistic, satire and parody uses are exempt.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

Platforms keep a safe harbor for user content; individuals and businesses distributing deceptive deepfakes of real people face criminal liability.

Key provisions

  1. RCW 9A.60.010: defines "forged digital likeness" (digitally created or altered image or voice recording of a real person, likely to deceive)
  2. RCW 9A.60.045(1)(c): knowingly distributing a forged digital likeness as genuine, with intent to defraud, harass, threaten or intimidate, is criminal impersonation in the second degree
  3. Gross misdemeanor
  4. Exempts cultural, historical, political, religious, educational, newsworthy and public-interest uses, including art, satire and parody
  5. Interactive computer services and carriers are not liable solely for content provided by others

Latest legislative action

Apr 16, 2025. Governor signed. Chapter 51, 2025 Laws. Effective date 7/27/2025.

Topics and industries

Related topics

AI Deepfakes

Affected industries

TechnologyMedia

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

Related AI laws in Washington

All Washington bills →
SB5886 Concerning personality rights. SB5105 Concerning sexually explicit depictions of minors. HB1999 Concerning fabricated intimate or sexually explicit images and depictions. SB5152 Defining synthetic media in campaigns for elective office, and providing relief SB5395 Making improvements to transparency and accountability in the prior authorizatio HB1325 Regulating personal delivery devices.

Same topic in other states

Montana HB513 Revise laws related to use of name, voice, and likeness of individuals and penal New Hampshire HB1432 Relative to prohibiting certain uses of deepfakes and creating a private claim o Utah SB0256 Identity Protection Modifications Rhode Island S3338 Relating to Criminal Offenses -- Impersonation and Identity Fraud Tennessee HB2091 AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 14, Part 1 and Title New York S5959 Establishes the right of publicity and provides for a private right of action fo