Washington

Strong Protection4 incidents

Legislation

Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery

Enacted
SB 5930/HB 1999enacted · everyone

Disclosing Fabricated Intimate Images offense. Gross misdemeanor (1st); Class C felony (repeat). NOT a defense that perpetrator didn't know image was fabricated. Civil: Uniform Civil Remedies Act.

HB 1205enacted · everyone

Criminalizes forged digital likeness used to defraud, harass, threaten, or intimidate. Gross misdemeanor. Broader than intimate imagery. First state to criminalize any malicious deepfake.

Election Deepfakes

None
SB 5152enacted · 2023

Early adopter; disclosure requirements

Comprehensive layered framework with criminal + civil remedies for deepfake NCII.

View Full Law Tracker →

Documented Incidents

Washington State Patrol, Pierce County

Legal

December 2025

1 male trooper (Collin Pearson) + 1 other trooper depicted without consent

Washington State Patrol personnel created an AI-generated deepfake video depicting Trooper Collin Pearson, an openly gay man, kissing another uniformed male trooper on a roadside. The video included a derogatory voiceover and was circulated among multiple troopers, as part of what Pearson alleges was a broader pattern of discrimination.

Outcome: Lawsuit filed in Pierce County Superior Court against the State of Washington and named personnel, alleging discrimination, retaliation, and invasion of privacy. Case pending.

FOX 13 Seattle

Whatcom County Sheriff's Office, Whatcom County

Workplace

April 2024

1 female detective (Samantha Robinson)

A detective allegedly created an AI-generated video using a real photo of a female colleague and another officer, manipulating it to depict the colleague having sexual contact with the other officer. The detective shared the video within the department, and the victim faced retaliation after reporting it. No internal investigation was initiated by the Sheriff's Office.

Outcome: Victim filed a $30 million tort claim and a lawsuit alleging discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation. Criminal charges were declined by the prosecutor's office, citing insufficient evidence. The perpetrator was placed on administrative leave.

Cascadia Daily News

Issaquah High School, Issaquah

Staff

October 18, 2023

At least 7 female students (ages 14–15) and 1 adult female staff member

A 14-year-old male student used a web-based 'nudify' app to create AI-generated synthetic images of at least six female classmates and one adult female staff member. He distributed the results via Snapchat, text messages, and in person.

Outcome: The male student was temporarily expelled but later returned; no criminal charges were filed because no applicable Washington law existed at the time.

404 Media

Issaquah High School, Issaquah

School

October 2023

Students across various school districts in Washington.

Washington state officials issued warnings regarding the creation and sharing of AI-generated intimate images of students. Several school districts reported incidents, leading to investigations and increased vigilance.

Outcome: Statewide warnings issued, emphasizing legal consequences and reporting mechanisms. Investigations are ongoing in affected districts, with some perpetrators facing disciplinary or legal action.

404media.co
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