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Bill

Bill

SB 5886

Concerning forged digital likenesses.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Boehnke and 3 co-sponsors

Washington bill criminalizes non-consensual forged digital likenesses while addressing deepfake abuse; passed committee review.

Referred to Rules 2 Review.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 5886

Legislative bill overview

SB 5886 addresses the creation and distribution of forged digital likenesses—deepfakes and synthetic media depicting real people without consent. The bill establishes legal standards and potential remedies for individuals whose digital likenesses are manipulated or fabricated, particularly in non-consensual intimate imagery contexts. It has passed committee with a "do pass" recommendation and is advancing through legislative review.

Why is this important

Deepfake and synthetic media technology is advancing rapidly, enabling convincing false depictions that can cause significant reputational, emotional, and economic harm to individuals. Without clear legal frameworks, victims have limited recourse, and bad actors face few consequences. This bill addresses a growing real-world problem affecting everyone from public figures to ordinary citizens targeted for harassment or fraud.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "forged" versus edited content: Determining where legitimate satire, parody, or artistic modification ends and illegal deepfakes begin
  • Free speech concerns: Balancing the right to create synthetic media against protecting individuals from non-consensual intimate imagery and defamation
  • Enforcement challenges: Burden of proof, identifying creators of anonymous online content, and jurisdictional issues with internet-distributed material
  • Scope of remedies: Whether the bill provides civil damages, criminal penalties, or both; and whether liability extends to platforms hosting such content

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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