February 25, 2025 update: The Future of Privacy Forum discontinues its management of the Multistate AI Policymaker Working Group.
The Future of Privacy Forum (FPF), an independent think tank, has been at the forefront of expert, bipartisan conversations on emerging technologies, particularly AI. One of its notable initiatives is the Multistate AI Policymaker Working Group (MAP-WG), a collaborative platform where multiple U.S. states coordinate on developing AI-related policies.
The MAP-WG, convened by FPF, is a bipartisan coalition of over 200 state lawmakers from more than 45 states. Its purpose is to harmonize AI regulatory approaches across states, reducing fragmentation and promoting consistent, responsible AI regulation. This initiative responds to the proliferation of differing state AI regulations, aiming to promote harmonization and collaboration.
Representative Giovanni Capriglione, a member of the MAP-WG, described an extensive local engagement process he held to draft a bill addressing AI concerns in Texas. Other members of the lawmaker steering committee include Alaska Senator Shelley Hughes (R), California Privacy Protection Agency Deputy Director of Policy and Legislation Maureen Mahoney, Colorado Senator Robert Rodriguez (D), Florida Representative Fiona McFarland (R), Maryland Senator Katie Fry Hester (D), Minnesota Representatives Steve Elkins (D) and Kristin Bahner (D), New York Senator Kristen Gonzalez (D), and Virginia Delegate Michelle Maldonado (D).
The MAP-WG primarily focuses on artificial intelligence, but its scope extends to related areas such as data privacy, enforcement, regulation, AI workforce development, and combating non-consensual intimate images. State lawmakers are moving forward with local legislation in response to the rapid advances in AI, and the MAP-WG seeks to navigate challenges by fostering collaboration and promoting better understanding of AI technologies.
FPF serves as a neutral convenor for the MAP-WG, providing structure, convening power, and policy expertise to help states collaborate effectively. FPF does not work to import European-style regulation into U.S. states and maintains its commitment to being non-partisan and fully transparent in its work.
Participation in the MAP-WG is open to any U.S. state-level senator, representative, or public official, and current staff members. The MAP-WG's bipartisan steering committee, chaired by Connecticut Senator James Maroney (D), collaborates to decide the topics and agenda. The group is launching a dedicated landing page (our website/multistateAI) to share its purpose, key resources, and insights with a broader audience.
It's worth noting that FPF is proud that over 90% of its funding comes from the private sector, and the government grants referenced in a recent op-ed do not fund the Multistate AI Policymaker Working Group. FPF values the trust of stakeholders across the political spectrum and will be withdrawing from its work supporting the MAP-WG.
The MAP-WG is a significant step towards addressing the complex regulatory landscape marked by diverse state laws and emerging federal guidance. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among state lawmakers, the MAP-WG is poised to play a crucial role in shaping responsible AI regulation in the United States.
- The Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) facilitates bipartisan discussions on emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, and its initiatives include the Multistate AI Policymaker Working Group (MAP-WG).
- The MAP-WG, a collaborative platform comprising over 200 state lawmakers, aims to harmonize AI regulatory approaches across states and reduce fragmentation.
- State lawmakers are engaged in local legislation addressing AI concerns, and the MAP-WG seeks to navigate challenges by fostering collaboration and promoting better understanding of AI technologies.
- Apart from AI, the MAP-WG's scope extends to data privacy, enforcement, regulation, AI workforce development, and combating non-consensual intimate images.
- FPF provides structure, convening power, and policy expertise to help states collaborate effectively within the MAP-WG, ensuring a neutral and transparent approach that does not endorse European-style regulation.
- The MAP-WG's dedicated landing page (our website/multistateAI) will share its purpose, key resources, and insights, further strengthening its role in shaping responsible AI regulation in the United States.
