US Senator: it’s time for federal government to begin regulating AI

To date, only individual US states, like California, have passed AI-focused laws around safety and privacy. But Tennessee senator Marsha Blackburn now says it’s time for the federal government to step in – even if big tech opposes such intervention.

Blackburn – who spoke at the CNBC AI Summit on Wednesday – said her constituents are increasingly concerned about AI safety, so moving forward with federal regulation is “imperative.”

“The reason the states have stepped in, whether it’s to protect consumers or protect children, is because the federal government has, to date, not been able to pass any federal preemptive legislation,” said the senator.

Earlier this week, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed landmark legislation aimed at protecting children from risks posed by AI, but vetoed another bill restricting underage users’ access to chatbots.

Additionally, Utah and Texas – two deeply red US states – have also signed laws implementing AI safeguards for minors. Similar regulations could be on the horizon in other states.

Blackburn is glad the states are doing something, pointing out: “We have to have the states standing in the gap until such time that Congress will say no to the big tech platforms.”

The US government has passed no single comprehensive federal regulation so far. The legislative landscape is essentially a patchwork of executive orders, agency actions, and existing laws.

Moreover, the Trump administration has been pivoting towards deregulation. America's AI Action Plan, released in July, focuses on boosting US dominance in AI through deregulation, infrastructure investment, and competition. It also directs agencies to remove rules that could hinder AI deployment.

Senate Republicans, led by Ted Cruz, even campaigned for a 10-year moratorium that would severely punish any state that passed laws regulating AI. But when Blackburn publicly pulled her support, the provision became politically untenable and was killed off.

In CNBC’s summit, Blackburn quoted fellow legislators who are increasingly hearing from “parents who know what is happening to their children and that they can’t un-experience or unsee something that they have been through with these chatbots or in the virtual world or the metaverse.”

Blackburn holds a significant level of influence in the Republican Party, has a strong social media presence, and, probably most importantly, is a frequent guest on conservative news outlets, closely followed in President Donald Trump’s inner circle.

Curious what others think about this story? Contribute your thoughts to the debate below.

Unlock more exclusive Cybernews content on YouTube.