Federal Preemption

In a New York congressional race, two AI-focused PACs are clashing over regulation. The Jobs and Democracy PAC backs Alex Bores, a proponent of AI safety legislation, through a significant ad campaign. This contrasts with a previous PAC, backed by tech heavyweights, that opposed Bores. This race highlights the growing influence of AI on politics and the deep divisions in how to regulate the rapidly evolving technology, with national implications for its future governance.

Amid rising AI concerns, states are enacting regulations, prompting Senator Blackburn to urge federal preemption. California’s recent AI measures, including chatbot safeguards, contrast with vetoed stricter conditions. Blackburn calls for federal action, citing the inability to pass preemptive legislation on children’s online safety due to tech company resistance. She advocates for comprehensive consumer privacy, data protection against LLMs, and safeguards against unauthorized AI use of personal likeness, emphasizing adaptable regulations focused on “end-use utilizations” reflecting fast AI changes. Parental concerns over AI’s impact on children are also rising.