In one paragraph
Wyoming's AI deepfake and child-protection law (Chapter 91, Session Laws of 2026, effective July 1, 2026). It makes it a felony to knowingly distribute realistic AI-generated or digitally altered intimate images of an identifiable person without consent when it causes or is meant to cause harm, or to threaten to do so for gain (up to 10 years; 12 for a repeat offense). Using AI to create child sexual abuse material, or knowingly possessing AI-generated material, is sexual exploitation of a child. Building or distributing AI systems designed to produce such material or to promote self-harm is a felony, and using AI is no defense to any crime.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
AI developers in Wyoming get a liability shield for third-party misuse, but face felony exposure if they build or distribute tools designed for CSAM, deepfake porn or self-harm.
Key provisions
- W.S. 6-4-307: knowingly distributing nonconsensual synthetic sexual material of an identifiable person that causes or is meant to cause harm, promoting it online, or threatening to release it for gain; felony, up to 10 years and $10,000 (12 years for a repeat offense)
- W.S. 6-4-303 amended: using an AI system to create child pornography, or possessing it knowing it was AI-generated, is sexual exploitation of a child
- W.S. 6-4-308: knowingly developing or distributing an AI system specifically designed to create or promote child pornography or synthetic sexual material, intending or knowing it will be used that way; felony, up to 10 years
- W.S. 6-4-701: same for AI systems specifically designed to promote self-harm; output caused solely by user prompts without the developer's intent is excluded
- W.S. 6-1-206: using AI to commit a crime is not a defense
- W.S. 1-1-143: AI developers not liable for damages when someone else uses the system to commit crimes or cause harm, unless it was built primarily for illegal activity
- Platforms covered by 47 U.S.C. 230 are not liable for content provided by others; school, library, law enforcement and (for self-harm) licensed health care uses excluded
- Signed March 7, 2026 (Chapter 91); effective July 1, 2026
Latest legislative action
Mar 7, 2026. Governor signed HEA No. 0032; assigned Chapter Number 91
Sponsors (showing 5 of 23)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Lien | Primary |
| Allemand | Cosponsor |
| Brady | Cosponsor |
| Brown, G | Cosponsor |
| Campbell, K | Cosponsor |
Topics and industries
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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