Trump Signs Executive Order to Challenge State AI Laws
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that sets in motion a plan to establish a national regulatory framework for artificial intelligence while undercutting states’ abilities to enact their own rules.
However, the order has been met with criticism from several state attorneys general who argue that it undermines state power and could lead to unchecked AI development.
The order, titled “Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence,” creates an AI litigation task force within the Justice Department to directly challenge state AI laws the administration finds to conflict with federal policy.
Moreover, it directs the Department of Commerce to craft guidelines that could make states ineligible for future broadband funding if they pass “onerous” AI laws.
State Attorneys General Criticize the Order
Several state attorneys general were quick to criticize the Trump administration’s attempt to curb state power.
Meanwhile, New York attorney general Letitia James said that the order is “unconstitutional” and that state attorneys general are the most agile regulators when it comes to AI development.
AI Industry Reacts to the Order
The push for sweeping federal preemption of state AI laws has largely been fueled by AI investors, conservative policy shops, and tech industry trade groups.
Consequently, these groups have argued that a patchwork approach to AI regulation could stunt Silicon Valley’s AI boom and reduce America’s competitiveness on the global stage.
What’s Next?
While the order may set a national tone for AI regulation, Trump does not have the authority to bar states from continuing to pass their own laws.
Therefore, it’s likely that the order will be challenged in court, and the debate over AI regulation will continue.
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