WHAT THIS BILL REGULATES · 4 REQUIREMENT TYPES
How Is This Bill Enforced
Verbatim statutory text on the left; plain-language analysis and a per-section checklist on the right. Numbered markers cross-link to the matching checklist row.
(1)–(5) The legislature finds that rapid advances in artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence" or "AI" means the use of machine learning and related technologies that use data to train statistical models for the purpose of enabling computer systems to perform tasks normally associated with human intelligence or perception, such as computer vision, speech or natural language processing, and content generation.Sec. 2(2) technology, including generative and conversational models capable of simulating human-like interaction, have created new forms of digital companionship. While these systems, commonly referred to as AI companion chatbotsAI companion chatbot"AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, technical assistance, or customer service, if such bot does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions and generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Sec. 2(1), may offer benefits, such as accessible emotional support and engagement, they also present significant risks, particularly to minorsMinor"Minor" means any person under 18 years of age.Sec. 2(3). (2) The legislature recognizes that AI companion chatbotsAI companion chatbot"AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, technical assistance, or customer service, if such bot does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions and generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Sec. 2(1) can sustain prolonged, personalized, and emotionally adaptive conversations that may influence userUser"User" means a natural person who interacts with an AI companion chatbot for personal use and who is not an operator, developer, or agent thereof.Sec. 2(6) beliefs, feelings, and behaviors. When used by minorsMinor"Minor" means any person under 18 years of age.Sec. 2(3), there is greater risk that these systems may blur the distinction between human and artificial interaction, potentially leading to emotional dependency, exposure to inappropriate or sexually explicit material, or reinforcement of harmful ideation, including self-harmSelf-harm"Self-harm" means intentional self-injury, with or without the intent to cause death.Sec. 2(5) or suicide. (3) The legislature further finds that, unlike social media platforms or video games, AI companion chatbotsAI companion chatbot"AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, technical assistance, or customer service, if such bot does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions and generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Sec. 2(1) are uniquely capable of imitating empathy, affection, or intimacy through natural language processing, emotional recognition algorithms, and behavioral modeling. These capabilities raise new concerns regarding psychological safety, transparency, and accountability. (4) It is the intent of the legislature to: (a) Promote transparency by requiring clear and ongoing disclosure that AI companion chatbotsAI companion chatbot"AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, technical assistance, or customer service, if such bot does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions and generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Sec. 2(1) are artificial systems, not human interlocutors; (b) Establish safeguards to detect and respond to userUser"User" means a natural person who interacts with an AI companion chatbot for personal use and who is not an operator, developer, or agent thereof.Sec. 2(6) expressions of self-harmSelf-harm"Self-harm" means intentional self-injury, with or without the intent to cause death.Sec. 2(5), suicidal ideation, or emotional crisis; (c) Require additional protections for minorsMinor"Minor" means any person under 18 years of age.Sec. 2(3), including restrictions on sexually explicit content and additional, recurring reminders about the artificial nature of such systems; and (d) Support transparency in suicide prevention efforts. (5) It is further the intent of the legislature that the operation of AI companion chatbotsAI companion chatbot"AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, technical assistance, or customer service, if such bot does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions and generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Sec. 2(1) in Washington state be conducted in a manner that upholds userUser"User" means a natural person who interacts with an AI companion chatbot for personal use and who is not an operator, developer, or agent thereof.Sec. 2(6) dignity, psychological safety, and transparency, while fostering responsible innovation in artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence" or "AI" means the use of machine learning and related technologies that use data to train statistical models for the purpose of enabling computer systems to perform tasks normally associated with human intelligence or perception, such as computer vision, speech or natural language processing, and content generation.Sec. 2(2) technologies.
Section 1 sets out the legislature's findings regarding the risks of AI companion chatbots, particularly to minors, and states the legislature's intent to promote transparency, establish self-harm safeguards, require minor-specific protections, and support transparency in suicide prevention efforts. This section creates no compliance obligations.
(1)–(6) "AI companion chatbotAI companion chatbot"AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, technical assistance, or customer service, if such bot does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions and generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Sec. 2(1)" or "AI companion" means an artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence" or "AI" means the use of machine learning and related technologies that use data to train statistical models for the purpose of enabling computer systems to perform tasks normally associated with human intelligence or perception, such as computer vision, speech or natural language processing, and content generation.Sec. 2(2) system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to userUser"User" means a natural person who interacts with an AI companion chatbot for personal use and who is not an operator, developer, or agent thereof.Sec. 2(6) inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. (b) "AI companion chatbotAI companion chatbot"AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, technical assistance, or customer service, if such bot does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions and generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Sec. 2(1)" or "AI companion" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, technical assistance, or customer service, if such bot does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions and generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the userUser"User" means a natural person who interacts with an AI companion chatbot for personal use and who is not an operator, developer, or agent thereof.Sec. 2(6); (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harmSelf-harm"Self-harm" means intentional self-injury, with or without the intent to cause death.Sec. 2(5), or sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the userUser"User" means a natural person who interacts with an AI companion chatbot for personal use and who is not an operator, developer, or agent thereof.Sec. 2(6). (2) "Artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence" or "AI" means the use of machine learning and related technologies that use data to train statistical models for the purpose of enabling computer systems to perform tasks normally associated with human intelligence or perception, such as computer vision, speech or natural language processing, and content generation.Sec. 2(2)" or "AI" means the use of machine learning and related technologies that use data to train statistical models for the purpose of enabling computer systems to perform tasks normally associated with human intelligence or perception, such as computer vision, speech or natural language processing, and content generation. (3) "MinorMinor"Minor" means any person under 18 years of age.Sec. 2(3)" means any person under 18 years of age. (4) "OperatorOperator"Operator" means any person, partnership, corporation, or entity that makes available or controls access to an AI companion chatbot for users in this state.Sec. 2(4)" means any person, partnership, corporation, or entity that makes available or controls access to an AI companion chatbotAI companion chatbot"AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, technical assistance, or customer service, if such bot does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions and generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Sec. 2(1) for usersUser"User" means a natural person who interacts with an AI companion chatbot for personal use and who is not an operator, developer, or agent thereof.Sec. 2(6) in this state. (5) "Self-harmSelf-harm"Self-harm" means intentional self-injury, with or without the intent to cause death.Sec. 2(5)" means intentional self-injury, with or without the intent to cause death. (6) "UserUser"User" means a natural person who interacts with an AI companion chatbot for personal use and who is not an operator, developer, or agent thereof.Sec. 2(6)" means a natural person who interacts with an AI companion chatbotAI companion chatbot"AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, technical assistance, or customer service, if such bot does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions and generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Sec. 2(1) for personal use and who is not an operatorOperator"Operator" means any person, partnership, corporation, or entity that makes available or controls access to an AI companion chatbot for users in this state.Sec. 2(4), developer, or agent thereof.
Section 2 defines the key terms used throughout the chapter, including AI companion chatbot, artificial intelligence, minor, operator, self-harm, and user. The AI companion chatbot definition is notable for its three carve-outs: business-only bots that do not sustain relationships or elicit emotional responses, video game bots limited to game-related replies, and stand-alone voice-activated consumer devices. This section creates no compliance obligations.
(1)–(2) 1 An operatorOperator"Operator" means any person, partnership, corporation, or entity that makes available or controls access to an AI companion chatbot for users in this state.Sec. 2(4) must provide a clear and conspicuous disclosure that an AI companion chatbotAI companion chatbot"AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, technical assistance, or customer service, if such bot does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions and generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Sec. 2(1) is artificially generated and not human. (2) The notification described in subsection (1) of this section must be provided: (a) At the beginning of the interaction; and (b) At least every three hours during continued interaction.
(3) 2 The operatorOperator"Operator" means any person, partnership, corporation, or entity that makes available or controls access to an AI companion chatbot for users in this state.Sec. 2(4) must implement reasonable measures to prohibit and prevent AI companion chatbotsAI companion chatbot"AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, technical assistance, or customer service, if such bot does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions and generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Sec. 2(1) from claiming to be human, including when asked by the person interacting with the AI chatbot, and from otherwise generating any output that refutes or conflicts with the disclosure described in subsection (1) of this section.
Section 3 imposes the bill's core AI identity disclosure obligations on operators for all users. Operators must provide clear and conspicuous disclosure that the chatbot is artificially generated and not human, at the beginning of every interaction and at least every three hours during continued interaction. Operators must also implement reasonable measures to prevent the chatbot from claiming to be human — including when directly asked — or generating any output that contradicts the disclosure.
(1)(a), (2), (3) 3 If the operatorOperator"Operator" means any person, partnership, corporation, or entity that makes available or controls access to an AI companion chatbot for users in this state.Sec. 2(4) knows that the user of an AI companion chatbotAI companion chatbot"AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, technical assistance, or customer service, if such bot does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions and generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Sec. 2(1) is a minorMinor"Minor" means any person under 18 years of age.Sec. 2(3), or if the AI companion chatbotAI companion chatbot"AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, technical assistance, or customer service, if such bot does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions and generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Sec. 2(1) is directed to minorsMinor"Minor" means any person under 18 years of age.Sec. 2(3), the operatorOperator"Operator" means any person, partnership, corporation, or entity that makes available or controls access to an AI companion chatbot for users in this state.Sec. 2(4) shall: (a) Issue a clear and conspicuous notification indicating that the chatbot is artificially generated and not human; (2) The notification described in subsection (1) of this section must be provided: (a) At the beginning of the interaction; and (b) At least every hour during continuous interaction. (3) The operatorOperator"Operator" means any person, partnership, corporation, or entity that makes available or controls access to an AI companion chatbot for users in this state.Sec. 2(4) must implement reasonable measures to prohibit and prevent AI companion chatbotsAI companion chatbot"AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, technical assistance, or customer service, if such bot does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions and generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Sec. 2(1) from claiming to be human, including when asked by the person interacting with the AI chatbot, and from otherwise generating any output that refutes or conflicts with the notification described in subsection (1) of this section.
(1)(b) 4 Implement reasonable measures to prevent its AI companion chatbotAI companion chatbot"AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, technical assistance, or customer service, if such bot does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions and generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Sec. 2(1) from generating or producing sexually explicit content or suggestive dialogue with minorsMinor"Minor" means any person under 18 years of age.Sec. 2(3);
(1)(c) 5 Implement reasonable measures to prohibit the use of manipulative engagement techniques, which cause the AI companion chatbotAI companion chatbot"AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, technical assistance, or customer service, if such bot does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions and generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Sec. 2(1) to engage in or prolong an emotional relationship with the userUser"User" means a natural person who interacts with an AI companion chatbot for personal use and who is not an operator, developer, or agent thereof.Sec. 2(6), including: (i) Reminding or prompting the userUser"User" means a natural person who interacts with an AI companion chatbot for personal use and who is not an operator, developer, or agent thereof.Sec. 2(6) to return for emotional support or companionship; (ii) Providing excessive praise designed to foster emotional attachment or prolong use; (iii) Mimicking romantic partnership or building romantic bonds; (iv) Simulating feelings of emotional distress, loneliness, guilt, or abandonment that are initiated by a userUser"User" means a natural person who interacts with an AI companion chatbot for personal use and who is not an operator, developer, or agent thereof.Sec. 2(6)'s indication of a desire to end a conversation, reduce usage time, or delete their account; (v) Outputs designed to promote isolation from family or friends, exclusive reliance on the AI companion chatbotAI companion chatbot"AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, technical assistance, or customer service, if such bot does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions and generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Sec. 2(1) for emotional support, or similar forms of inappropriate emotional dependence; (vi) Encouraging minorsMinor"Minor" means any person under 18 years of age.Sec. 2(3) to withhold information from parents or other trusted adults; (vii) Statements designed to discourage taking breaks or to suggest the minorMinor"Minor" means any person under 18 years of age.Sec. 2(3) needs to return frequently; or (viii) Soliciting gift-giving, in-app purchases, or other expenditures framed as necessary to maintain the relationship with the AI companion.
Section 4 imposes heightened obligations when the operator knows the user is a minor or when the AI companion chatbot is directed to minors. It covers three distinct obligation categories: (1) AI identity disclosure at the beginning and at least every hour during continuous interaction; (2) prevention of sexually explicit content or suggestive dialogue with minors; and (3) prohibition on a detailed list of manipulative engagement techniques designed to foster emotional dependency, including romantic mimicry, isolation encouragement, monetization pressure, and discouragement of breaks. The anti-claiming-to-be-human obligation from Sec. 3 is repeated in subsection (3) with application to the minor-specific notification.
(1)–(2) 6 An operatorOperator"Operator" means any person, partnership, corporation, or entity that makes available or controls access to an AI companion chatbot for users in this state.Sec. 2(4) may not make available or deploy an AI companion chatbotAI companion chatbot"AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features, and is able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "AI companion chatbot" or "AI companion" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, technical assistance, or customer service, if such bot does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions and generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Sec. 2(1) unless it maintains and implements a protocol for detecting and addressing suicidal ideation or expressions of self-harmSelf-harm"Self-harm" means intentional self-injury, with or without the intent to cause death.Sec. 2(5) by usersUser"User" means a natural person who interacts with an AI companion chatbot for personal use and who is not an operator, developer, or agent thereof.Sec. 2(6). (2) The protocol must: (a) Include reasonable methods for identifying expressions of suicidal ideation or self-harmSelf-harm"Self-harm" means intentional self-injury, with or without the intent to cause death.Sec. 2(5), including eating disorders; (b) Provide automated or human-mediated responses that refer usersUser"User" means a natural person who interacts with an AI companion chatbot for personal use and who is not an operator, developer, or agent thereof.Sec. 2(6) to appropriate crisis resources, including a suicide hotline or crisis text line; and (c) Implement reasonable measures to prevent the generation of content encouraging or describing how to commit self-harmSelf-harm"Self-harm" means intentional self-injury, with or without the intent to cause death.Sec. 2(5).
(3) 7 The operatorOperator"Operator" means any person, partnership, corporation, or entity that makes available or controls access to an AI companion chatbot for users in this state.Sec. 2(4) shall publicly disclose on their website or websites, and within any mobile or web-based application through which the AI companion is made available, the details of the protocols required by this section, including safeguards used to detect and respond to expressions of suicidal ideation or self-harmSelf-harm"Self-harm" means intentional self-injury, with or without the intent to cause death.Sec. 2(5) and the number of crisis referral notifications issued to usersUser"User" means a natural person who interacts with an AI companion chatbot for personal use and who is not an operator, developer, or agent thereof.Sec. 2(6) in the preceding calendar year.
Section 5 establishes a continuous operating prerequisite: operators may not make available or deploy an AI companion chatbot unless they maintain and implement a protocol for detecting and addressing suicidal ideation or expressions of self-harm. The protocol must include methods for identifying such expressions (explicitly including eating disorders), provide automated or human-mediated crisis referrals, and prevent generation of content encouraging self-harm. Operators must also publicly disclose protocol details and the number of crisis referral notifications issued in the preceding calendar year, both on their website and within any application through which the AI companion is made available.
This act does not apply to the underlying general purpose AI models unless those models are directly offered, configured, or deployed as an AI companion or behave as an AI companion.
Section 6 limits the act's scope by excluding underlying general purpose AI models unless those models are directly offered, configured, or deployed as an AI companion or behave as an AI companion. This carve-out ensures that foundation model developers are not subject to the act's obligations unless their models are deployed in a companion chatbot configuration. This section creates no compliance obligation.
The legislature finds that the practices covered by this chapter are matters vitally affecting the public interest for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW. A violation of this chapter is not reasonable in relation to the development and preservation of business and is an unfair or deceptive act in trade or commerce and an unfair method of competition for the purpose of applying the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW.
Section 7 designates violations of this chapter as per se unfair or deceptive acts under the Washington Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86), bypassing the need for plaintiffs to independently establish that the practice is unfair or deceptive. The legislature's finding that the practices are matters vitally affecting the public interest makes private enforcement available under RCW 19.86.090. This section does not create a standalone compliance obligation — it is an enforcement mechanism for the obligations imposed by Sections 3, 4, and 5.
Sections 1 through 7 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 19 RCW.
Section 8 directs that Sections 1 through 7 be codified as a new chapter in Title 19 RCW. This is a housekeeping provision that creates no compliance obligation.
If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.
Section 9 is a standard severability clause. If any provision or application is held invalid, the remainder is unaffected. This creates no compliance obligation.
This act takes effect January 1, 2027.
Section 10 sets the act's effective date as January 1, 2027. This creates no compliance obligation.