Washington Mandates Disclosure of AI Chatbot Use in Customer Interactions
Washington State enacted a first-of-its-kind law requiring clear AI chatbot disclosures to consumers.
Why it matters: Legal and compliance teams must prepare for new transparency requirements around AI chatbot use with customers, as Washington’s law could influence nationwide standards. The statute mandates disclosures and imposes liability, raising new obligations for businesses deploying AI technologies.
- Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 2225 into law on March 24, 2026.
- AI chatbot operators must disclose AI use at the start and every three hours during interactions.
- For minors, the disclosure must occur every hour.
- Violations are enforceable under Washington’s Consumer Protection Act, including private rights of action.
Washington State made history with House Bill 2225, signed March 24, 2026, by Governor Bob Ferguson. The new law requires businesses and organizations operating AI companion chatbots to disclose up front that users are interacting with artificial intelligence, not a human.
- Per the statute, operators must notify users at the start and every three hours when conversations continue. For minors under 18, updates must occur every hour. (Hunton)
- The law further prohibits chatbots from falsely presenting themselves as human or producing outputs that contradict the disclosure requirement.
- Operators must also implement protocols to detect and respond to expressions of self-harm or suicidal ideation, including connecting users to crisis resources and blocking encouragement of self-harm. (Hunton)
Enforcement has teeth: Any failure to comply is considered an unfair or deceptive act under Washington’s Consumer Protection Act, allowing for action both by the Attorney General and through private lawsuits.
The law takes effect on January 1, 2027, giving in-house counsel and compliance teams under a year to ensure alignment with these new standards.
Legislators cited child safety and transparency for all consumers as key motivations. “Children have been harmed and even died because of their chatbot companions. This legislation is critical to preventing these tragedies,” said Rep. Lisa Callan. Governor Ferguson noted the challenge for consumers, saying, “It is virtually impossible these days” to distinguish AI bots from humans.
By the numbers:
- March 24, 2026 — Bill signed into law by Governor Ferguson
- January 1, 2027 — Effective date of new requirements
- 3 hours — Maximum interval between AI disclosures during adult interactions
- 1 hour — Disclosure frequency for minors
Yes, but: The law's reach beyond state borders and its applicability to out-of-state chatbot operators remain unclear.
What's next: Legal and compliance teams should monitor further guidance on enforcing these requirements in multi-jurisdictional settings before the January 2027 effective date.