HomeLegal DirectoryND 12.1-17-07 (using a robot/AI to harass is a crime)

In effect Limited protection

North Dakota Harassment by Robot (HB 1429, 12.1-17-07)

North Dakota · N.D. Cent. Code 12.1-17-07; 2025 N.D. Laws (HB 1429)

North Dakota updated its harassment law so that using a 'robot' to harass someone is itself a crime. A robot here means an artificial object or system that senses, processes, and acts using technology, including artificial intelligence. A person commits harassment if they use such a robot to engage in offensive conduct that serves no legitimate purpose.

Technical detail

HB 1429 amended N.D. Cent. Code 12.1-17-07 to define 'robot' (an artificial object/system that senses, processes, and acts using technology, including AI) and to make it harassment to use a robot to engage in offensive conduct with no legitimate purpose.

Who is protected: Any person targeted by harassing conduct carried out through a robot or AI system.

Who must comply: Any person in North Dakota.

Key facts

JurisdictionNorth Dakota
LevelState
StatusIn effect
Protection strengthLimited protection
Effective date2025-08-01
Enacted2025-04-24
CitationN.D. Cent. Code 12.1-17-07; 2025 N.D. Laws (HB 1429)
Enforced byNorth Dakota law enforcement and prosecutors; North Dakota courts.
PenaltiesMisdemeanor. Harassment is generally a class B misdemeanor, rising to a class A misdemeanor where the conduct involves certain threats.
Topicsconsumer data privacy · consumer protection
Last verified2026-06-16
Official sourceNorth Dakota Century Code 12.1-17-07 (Harassment) / HB 1429 ↗

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