Wyoming Ban on AI Systems Intended to Promote Self-Harm
Wyoming · Wyo. Stat. Ann. 6-4-701; 2026 Wyo. Sess. Laws (HB0102 / HEA 32)
This new Wyoming crime targets AI systems built to encourage people to hurt themselves. It is a felony to knowingly develop or distribute an AI system specifically designed to promote self-harm, when done with intent or knowledge that others will use it that way. 'Self-harm' covers self-directed behavior causing or risking bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death. Prompt-only systems, bona fide education, law enforcement, licensed health care, and platform hosting are exempted.
Technical detail
Wyo. Stat. 6-4-701 (new Article 7, Artificial Intelligence Offenses), created by 2026 HB0102 (HEA 32), criminalizes knowingly developing or distributing an AI system specifically designed to promote self-harm with intent or knowledge of such use; 'self-harm' is self-directed behavior causing or risking bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death.
Who is protected: Individuals at risk of self-harm, including minors and vulnerable users.
Who must comply: Developers and distributors of AI systems (with exemptions for prompt-only output, bona fide education/employment, law enforcement, licensed health care, and interactive computer services).
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Wyoming |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Status | In effect |
| Protection strength | Limited protection |
| Effective date | 2026-07-01 |
| Enacted | 2026-03-06 |
| Citation | Wyo. Stat. Ann. 6-4-701; 2026 Wyo. Sess. Laws (HB0102 / HEA 32) |
| Enforced by | Wyoming county/district attorneys (criminal prosecution). |
| Private right of action | No — agency enforcement only |
| Penalties | Felony punishable by imprisonment up to 10 years and/or a fine up to $10,000. |
| Topics | consumer protection · healthcare AI · children's online safety |
| Last verified | 2026-06-16 |
| Official source | Wyoming House Bill HB0102 (2026), House Enrolled Act No. 32 — Protecting kids from deepfakes and exploitative images ↗ |
More AI rules in Wyoming
- WY NCII Deepfake Law · In effect
- Wyo. Stat. 6-4-303 (child-porn definition covers computer-generated images) · In effect
- Wyo. Stat. 6-4-306 (revenge-porn law covers computer-generated images) · In effect
- Wyo. Stat. 1-1-143 (AI developers shielded from civil liability for others' misuse) · In effect
- Wyo. Stat. 6-1-206 (using AI to commit a crime is no defense) · In effect
- Wyo. Stat. 6-4-308 (felony to build/distribute AI systems made to create child porn) · In effect
Related consumer protection rules elsewhere
- FTC Act Section 5 (unfair/deceptive AI) · In effect
- TAKE IT DOWN Act · In effect
- FCRA (AI in credit & background checks) · In effect
- ECOA / Regulation B (AI credit discrimination) · In effect
- COPPA + 2025 Rule (childrens data) · In effect
- TCPA (AI voice calls) · In effect
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