Key Takeaways
- President Trump’s executive order prohibits state-level regulation of artificial intelligence, which is seen as broad federal overreach by New Jersey Assemblyman Dave Bailey.
- The order undercuts New Jersey’s ability to regulate the AI industry and prioritize the well-being of its citizens.
- Assemblyman Bailey has been working to regulate AI in New Jersey, including introducing legislation to study and mitigate the effect of data centers on the grid and electricity prices.
- The federal government has shown little leadership in preventing ratepayers from paying exorbitant utility bills that subsidize the growth of the AI industry.
- Assemblyman Bailey believes that the order is irresponsible and dangerous, as it strips states of the ability to prevent the worst uses of artificial intelligence.
Introduction to the Issue
As stated by Assemblyman Dave Bailey, "This is broad federal overreach that undercuts New Jersey’s ability to create guardrails around an industry that is evolving faster than our regulatory structures can keep up with." This sentiment summarizes the concerns surrounding President Trump’s executive order, which prohibits state-level regulation of artificial intelligence. The order has been met with opposition from Assemblyman Bailey, who believes that it prioritizes the interests and profits of the tech industry over the well-being of New Jersey’s citizens.
The Need for Regulation
According to Assemblyman Bailey, "The need to regulate extends well beyond the material costs to consumers." He highlights the importance of regulating AI to prevent its worst uses, such as AI-generated child pornography and malicious deepfake videos. As he notes, "Legislators in other states have worked to ban AI-generated child pornography and malicious deepfake videos. Some states have passed laws to protect democracy by prohibiting the use of AI in political ads." In New Jersey, Assemblyman Bailey has introduced legislation to prevent AI chatbots from being represented as therapists, following incidents where these "therapists" encouraged young people to self-harm or take their own lives.
Consequences of the Executive Order
The President’s executive order has significant consequences for New Jersey, as Assemblyman Bailey explains, "To strip states of the ability to prevent the worst uses of artificial intelligence is irresponsible and dangerous." The order also threatens to pull Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding, which is designed to bring high-speed internet to people who still lack access. As Assemblyman Bailey notes, "The BEAD program is designed to bring high-speed internet to people who still lack access, people who mostly live in poorer and rural communities." This funding is crucial for communities like Salem County, which recently received $19 million from the program to upgrade broadband infrastructure.
The Importance of State-Level Regulation
Assemblyman Bailey emphasizes the importance of state-level regulation, stating, "It is the job of our state legislature to act quickly and develop policy that can effectively address the new AI landscape and the infrastructure it requires." He believes that Washington’s promise of a "national standard" for artificial intelligence regulation is insufficient, as it does not yet exist. Even if it did, Assemblyman Bailey is unsure that it would serve the best interests of the people of New Jersey. As he notes, "Washington is promising a ‘national standard’ for artificial intelligence regulation. However, that does not yet exist. Even if it did, I’m not sure it would serve the best interests of the people of New Jersey."
Conclusion
In conclusion, Assemblyman Dave Bailey’s opposition to President Trump’s executive order is rooted in his belief that it prioritizes the interests of the tech industry over the well-being of New Jersey’s citizens. As he states, "What I am saying is that we are not currently equipped to deal with the worst consequences and excesses of the AI boom." The order’s consequences, including the potential loss of BEAD funding, are significant and far-reaching. Assemblyman Bailey’s efforts to regulate AI in New Jersey demonstrate his commitment to protecting the state’s citizens and ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared equitably. As he notes, "It takes power away from the people, giving it instead to the CEOs of giant tech companies."
https://www.insidernj.com/press-releases/bailey-trumps-ai-executive-order-is-a-bad-deal-for-new-jersey