Meta's new lobby team against 1000 AI laws in the USA
There is by no means no or less regulation of AI in the USA. Meta has therefore set up a new anti-regulation team.
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Meta has set up a team to avert further AI regulation in the USA. The so-called American Technology Excellence Project reportedly has tens of millions of US dollars at its disposal from Meta. US President Donald Trump has actually stated that there should be no laws preventing AI. However, Engadget writes that more than 1,000 proposals for regulating AI have been introduced at state level this year alone.
The USA is by no means without AI regulation. Contrary to what often comes across in complaints about the European AI Act. Even now, there are already various laws in the states that affect AI services or are explicitly aimed at them. However, Meta believes that regulation would set the USA back in the race for AI with China. The interest group therefore aims to prevent this. Specifically, it should support the candidates in the states who are in line with Meta. Meta's Vice President Brian Rice said in a statement to Axios: “That's why Meta is launching an initiative to support the election of candidates in states across the country who will champion the development of AI, promote the US technology industry, and defend US technological leadership at home and abroad.”
Democrats and Republicans against AI regulation
The team includes both a Republican, Brian Baker, who will lead operations, and a Democratic aide provided by Hilltop Public Solutions, a consulting agency that describes itself as left-of-center. How many other people will work in the group is unknown.
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Meta had previously set up a similar interest group in California. Individual AI laws are already in place there, for example, to protect digital images of actors and regarding misinformation before elections. The governor, Gavin Newsom, is also planning an AI law to regulate AI chatbots. SB 243 is primarily intended to protect vulnerable people and minors. Several lawsuits have been filed against AI companies for allegedly harming children and adolescents—to the point of helping them commit suicide. Newsom still has until 12 October to sign the bill into law, after which California would be the first US state to require safety protocols from AI providers, for example. In addition, chatbot providers would be responsible for what chatbots output.
Irrespective of Trump's decree, according to which AI developments must not be prevented, the US Trade Commission also wants to investigate the effects of AI chatbots on minors. In Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton is conducting further investigations into Meta and Character.ai. What Trump's decree also says is that AI must not be “woke.” No resistance has yet formed against this.
(emw)
