A recent proposal in the US Congress aims to block state-level AI laws for 10 years, sparking debate over the regulation of artificial intelligence. The measure, backed by tech leaders like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Senator Ted Cruz, would override current and future state-level AI laws, raising concerns about oversight and consumer protection.
Proponents argue that a uniform federal approach would simplify rules and help AI development compete with countries like China. However, critics warn that this moratorium would remove protections, limit state authority, and give big tech companies a free pass to operate without meaningful oversight.
The proposal has exemptions for laws related to child online safety, child sexual abuse material, rights of publicity, and unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Senator Marsha Blackburn's Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act, which protects musicians from AI-generated likeness and voice misuse, is also exempt.
Opponents, including Democrats and some Republicans, argue that the moratorium would undermine state efforts to protect citizens from AI misuse. The public largely supports more AI regulation, with about 60% of US adults worried that the government won't regulate AI enough.
