Washington AI Content Provenance and Disclosure Act (E2SHB 1170)
Washington · Wash. E2SHB 1170 (2026); Ch. 167, 2026 Laws
Large AI image, video, and audio generators must embed hard-to-remove provenance data — watermarks or tamper-resistant metadata — in every piece of synthetic content they create. This lets journalists, courts, and the public identify AI-generated media. Applies to services with over 1 million monthly users. Enforced by the Washington Attorney General under the Consumer Protection Act. Effective February 1, 2027.
Technical detail
E2SHB 1170 (2025-26 Reg. Sess.; signed Mar. 24, 2026; effective Feb. 1, 2027) requires covered providers — entities creating generative AI systems with 1M+ monthly users accessible in Washington — to include provenance data (watermarking or tamper-resistant metadata) in AI-generated or materially altered images, video, and audio before distribution; enforced by the AG under the Consumer Protection Act. No private right of action.
Who is protected: Washington consumers and the public exposed to AI-generated synthetic media
Who must comply: Covered providers: entities creating generative AI systems with 1M+ monthly users accessible in Washington
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Washington |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Status | Enacted (not yet in effect) |
| Protection strength | Limited protection |
| Effective date | 2027-02-01 |
| Enacted | 2026-03-24 |
| Citation | Wash. E2SHB 1170 (2026); Ch. 167, 2026 Laws |
| Enforced by | Washington Attorney General (Consumer Protection Act) |
| Private right of action | No — agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | Consumer Protection Act enforcement remedies |
| Topics | AI disclosure and transparency · AI-generated images · deepfakes · consumer protection |
| Last verified | 2026-06-16 |
| Official source | Washington State Legislature — HB 1170 Bill Summary (Chapter 167, 2026 Laws) ↗ |
More AI rules in Washington
- WA SB 5982 (Data Center / Clean Energy) · In effect
- Washington HB 2225 (AI chatbot disclosure, minor protections, crisis protocols) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- Washington HB 1170 (AI content watermarking & provenance metadata) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- Washington SHB 1672 (employee monitoring notice, ADS restrictions, emotion AI ban) · In effect
- Washington HB 1999 (criminalizes AI/fabricated CSAM and nonconsensual fake intimate images) · In effect
- Washington SB 5395 (limits AI in health-insurance prior-auth denials) · In effect
Related AI disclosure and transparency rules elsewhere
- Trump AI Innovation & Security EO (June 2026) · In effect
- CO ADMT Act (SB 26-189, 2026) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- Utah SB 319 (health insurer AI) · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- FERC order directing PJM and other grid operators to reform · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- Morris County resolution urging state oversight of data cent · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- SU-47 Special-Use Data Center Zoning District Ordinance · Proposed / pending
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