Tech Industry Fights for Control Over AI Regulations
The tech industry is making a concerted effort to shape the regulations surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) at the state level, in an attempt to prevent a patchwork of inconsistent laws and avoid stricter regulations in the future. Lobbyists from companies like Workday and BSA – The Software Alliance are working with state lawmakers to offer suggestions and influence the drafting of AI bills.
This strategy has been heavily influenced by previous battles over state privacy laws. After California passed a tough privacy law in 2018, industry lobbyists successfully watered down similar laws in other states. They are now using the same tactics to shape AI regulations.
The tech industry’s focus on state-level AI bills is driven by the lack of action from Washington. The industry fears that without a comprehensive federal AI law, states will implement their own regulations, causing a patchwork of contradictory laws that could slow down innovation and increase compliance costs.
California, in particular, is in the spotlight as lawmakers there prepare to push for major AI regulations. Lobbyists are actively engaging with Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, who is drafting a bill that would require impact assessments and notification requirements for AI systems used in consequential decisions. While some tech lobbyists are cooperating, others like Meta are reluctant to engage.
Despite the industry’s preference for a single federal law, they recognize that the states will likely take action on AI with or without Washington’s involvement. The timing of their action is the main question for lobbyists.
The tech industry hopes that by proactively engaging with state lawmakers, they can shape AI regulations to be more favorable and to align with their interests. If successful, they can avoid stricter regulations in the future and maintain control over the development and implementation of AI technologies. Will the industry’s lobbying efforts pay off, or will states take strong actions to regulate AI? Comment your thoughts below!
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