Bill > HB4496

This bill aims to ensure transparency and protect consumers by requiring clear identification of media created or significantly altered by artificial intelligence (AI), which is defined as any machine-based system that makes predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments, including generative AI models that can produce various media content. Entities that create, distribute, or publish such AI-generated media, referred to as "covered entities," must provide a "disclosure," meaning a visible or audible statement, watermark, or digital marker, indicating that the content is AI-generated. For visual media, this includes a watermark or text label like "AI-Generated" or "Created with AI," while audio media requires a spoken or transcribed statement at the beginning, and video media needs both an on-screen disclosure for at least three seconds and a persistent watermark. Platforms hosting this content must preserve these disclosures and implement systems to detect and prompt disclosure for unlabeled AI-generated media. Exceptions exist for internal research, minor AI-assisted editing like spell-checking, and content solely for private personal use. The Attorney General will enforce these rules, with organizations facing civil penalties of up to $100,000 per day for violations, and individuals up to $1,000 per day, with additional penalties for violations involving political deception, identity manipulation, or public safety risks; individuals harmed by undisclosed AI-generated media can also sue for damages.

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http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4496&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill