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U.S. Lawmakers Prepare AI Bill to Override State Laws

A new federal AI bill could invalidate state protections for young people online. Critics worry it lets tech companies off the hook for AI harms.

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U.S. Lawmakers Prepare AI Bill to Override State Laws

Lawmakers in the U.S. are gearing up to introduce a bill that could override state laws on artificial intelligence (AI). This move comes despite concerns raised by parents and state lawmakers about AI's impact on society. Earlier this year, the Senate turned down a proposal for a decade-long moratorium on state AI regulation. Now, a new bill is in the works that could preempt state laws, threatening to invalidate protections tailored to local needs and emerging harms. These safeguards, enacted by states, aim to shield young people online, artists, creators, and voters in elections from AI-enabled disinformation. Parents have shared testimonies about the negative impact of AI tools on their children's mental health and well-being. State lawmakers are leading the effort to crack down on AI's misuse, particularly in elections. The expected federal bill, similar to Section 230, grants broad immunity to tech companies with minimal safeguards. Critics argue that Section 230 has contributed to the spread of toxic content and addictive engagement on social media platforms. A significant majority of Americans, 73%, believe AI companies should be held liable for harms caused by their technology. The new bill, however, seems to aim at letting tech companies avoid this accountability. The proposed federal AI regulation bill could significantly impact state-level protections. As lawmakers prepare to introduce it, concerns about AI's impact on society, particularly on young people and elections, remain. The bill's final form will determine whether it addresses these concerns or further incentivizes unchecked AI development.

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