Washington State Takes on AI “Deepfakes”
Washington state has amended its property rights law to prohibit AI deepfakes, making it a violation to use someone's forged digital likeness without consent. The new law, which takes effect June 11, 2026, increases civil penalties and allows for recovery of non-economic damages such as reputational harm and emotional distress.
Washington state has joined Tennessee in banning AI deepfakes. The state's property rights law now includes a property right in someone's forged digital likeness. This means that using a realistic deepfake without consent is a violation of that right. The law takes effect June 11, 2026. Civil penalties have been increased to $3,000. Non-economic damages such as reputational harm and emotional distress can also be recovered. This new law reminds companies to conduct diligence when using AI-generated elements.
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