Washington State Signs First US AI Chatbot Minor Protection Law
Transparency Coalition·medium signal
Governor Bob Ferguson signed HB 2225, making Washington the first US state to enact AI chatbot regulation specifically for minors. The law bans manipulative engagement techniques, requires chatbots to disclose they aren't human, mandates crisis resource referrals for self-harm expressions, and prohibits sexually suggestive content to minors. A companion bill HB 1170 requires AI-generated media to include provenance watermarks or metadata. Both take effect 2027-2028.