Key Points
- President Trump plans to sign an executive order this week to create a single federal AI regulatory framework.
- States have passed laws targeting non‑consensual sexual imagery and limiting AI use in insurance decisions.
- Tech giants Google, Meta, OpenAI and Andreessen Horowitz favor national AI standards over state-by-state rules.
- Travis Hall of the Center for Democracy & Technology says only Congress can preempt state authority.
- 35 states and the District of Columbia urged Congress not to block state AI regulations.
- Ziff Davis has sued OpenAI over alleged copyright infringement in AI training.
Trump’s Planned Executive Order
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he intends to sign an executive order within the coming week that would establish a unified federal framework for artificial intelligence. The proposed order is presented as a way to avoid the need for companies to navigate a fragmented landscape of state regulations, which Trump and his supporters claim could hinder industry growth.
State‑Level AI Initiatives
While the federal move is being prepared, several states have already taken action on AI. Some states have enacted statutes that criminalize the creation of sexual images of individuals without their consent. Other jurisdictions have imposed restrictions on insurance companies that use AI to approve or deny health‑care claims. These efforts reflect a broader trend of state governments seeking to protect citizens from perceived harms of AI systems.
Industry and Advocacy Reactions
Major technology companies, including Google, Meta, OpenAI and venture firm Andreessen Horowitz, have publicly called for national AI standards rather than a patchwork of state rules. Their stance aligns with industry concerns that differing state laws could lead to costly litigation and stifle innovation.
Travis Hall, director for state engagement at the Center for Democracy & Technology, responded to the announcement, stating, “The power to preempt rests firmly with Congress, and no executive order can change that.” Hall emphasized the importance of state lawmakers in safeguarding constituents from AI systems that are “untrustworthy or unaccountable.”
Congressional Context
Earlier this month, 35 states and the District of Columbia urged Congress not to block state AI regulations, warning of “disastrous consequences” if federal action impeded state efforts. Congress ultimately chose not to intervene, leaving the balance of power between federal and state authorities unsettled.
Legal Background
In a related development, Ziff Davis, the parent company of CNET, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI alleging copyright infringement in the training and operation of its AI systems. The lawsuit underscores ongoing legal tensions surrounding AI development and intellectual property.
Outlook
The upcoming executive order promises a single set of rules for AI, but its legal authority to preempt state legislation remains uncertain. Critics argue that only Congress can override state authority, while supporters contend that a unified federal approach is essential for maintaining the United States’ competitive edge in the global AI race.
Source: cnet.com