Regulating artificial intelligence companion chatbots (Chapter 168, Laws of 2026)
Washington | HB 2225
Categories
Key Requirements
Operators must clearly and conspicuously disclose at the start of an interaction that the chatbot is artificial and not human, with reminders every three hours for adults and every hour for known minors. For minors, operators must take reasonable measures to prevent sexually explicit content and manipulative engagement techniques that prolong emotional relationships or promote isolation and dependence. Operators must maintain crisis protocols for detecting and responding to expressions of self-harm or suicidal ideation.
Regulated Parties
Operators of AI companion chatbots (business bots, gaming bots, general virtual assistants, consumer electronics interfaces and narrow educational tools excluded)
Enforcement
Private right of action (per Hunton analysis); Consumer Protection Act enforcement
Sources
Notes
Official bill summary shows 'Chapter 168, 2026 Laws', Governor signed Mar 24, effective 1/1/2027.
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