In a bid to assert federal control over artificial intelligence regulations, President Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at limiting state-level AI oversight. This move has sparked reactions, particularly in New York, where efforts to regulate AI are gaining traction.
Miles Parks, the host of a popular news program, delves into the implications of this executive order. The order is likely to face legal challenges and is seen as a direct response to the increasing number of state laws seeking to regulate the burgeoning AI industry. Among these efforts, the legislation in New York stands out. Alex Bores, a New York State Assembly member, has been at the forefront of this movement with his sponsorship of the state’s AI regulation bill. Bores, who is also campaigning for a congressional seat in Manhattan, discussed the executive order and its potential impact.
According to Bores, the executive order targets what it perceives as “onerous” state laws. However, he argues that New York’s RAISE Act does not fall into this category. “Absolutely not,” he stated, emphasizing that the act is based on voluntary commitments already made by AI companies. These regulations are designed to ensure companies adhere to promises they have already made, preventing any regression. Bores further pointed out that the executive order encourages legal action against such state laws, yet no such action has been taken prior, suggesting a political rather than substantive motive behind the order.
The RAISE Act, currently under negotiation with the governor, includes three main provisions. It requires leading AI developers to publish and adhere to safety plans, disclose critical safety incidents, and refrain from releasing models that fail internal tests. This regulatory framework is reminiscent of past public health issues, such as the tobacco industry’s denial of the dangers of smoking despite knowing the risks.
Concerns about the economic impact of state-specific regulations were also addressed. Bores acknowledged the potential drawbacks of a fragmented regulatory environment but noted that only California and New York have significant AI standards. He advocates for a federal law to serve as the national standard, emphasizing that the federal government should not impede states from protecting their residents in the absence of national legislation.
The discussion with Alex Bores sheds light on the ongoing debate about the balance between state and federal authority in regulating rapidly evolving technologies like artificial intelligence. Despite reaching out, the White House did not provide a comment on the matter before the interview aired.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
