AI Regulation Returns Stateside

Efforts to establish a federal moratorium on state-level AI regulation in the US have failed, leading to a resurgence of AI rule-making at the state level. A proposal to prevent states from regulating AI for ten years was soundly defeated in the Senate by a 99-1 vote. This decision allows states to continue developing and enforcing their own AI regulations, addressing concerns such as algorithmic bias, deepfakes, and automated decision-making.

Several states, including California, Colorado, New York, Connecticut, and Texas, are actively advancing or enacting AI-related laws. California is considering legislation to establish an AI 'bill of rights,' while New York's SB 6453 aims to restrict 'frontier' AI models. The rejection of the federal moratorium ensures that states can tailor AI governance to their specific needs and priorities, fostering innovation while safeguarding consumer interests and addressing potential risks.

The initial push for a federal moratorium faced opposition from a bipartisan group of state attorneys general and governors, who argued that it would hinder their ability to protect residents and respond to emerging AI challenges. Supporters of state regulation emphasise the importance of allowing states to address issues like robocalls, deepfakes, and autonomous vehicle safety. This decision empowers states to shape the future of AI in a way that aligns with their unique circumstances and values.