New York Lawmakers Plot More AI Regulations After the RAISE Act
In a recent development, lawmakers in New York are setting their sights on establishing new regulations concerning the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. This move comes on the heels of the RAISE Act, which was approved by the state Legislature last year, signaling a strong commitment to regulating the AI industry.
The Impact of the RAISE Act
The enactment of the RAISE Act represented a significant step forward, demonstrating New York’s readiness to take initiative in the absence of a comprehensive federal framework for AI regulation. However, the act faced challenges, as it was ultimately weakened at the request of Governor Kathy Hochul due to substantial lobbying efforts from the tech industry, including major players such as Google, OpenAI, and Meta.
Plans for New Legislation
In light of the shortcomings of the RAISE Act, Democratic lawmakers are now planning to introduce a new set of bills aimed at establishing more stringent guardrails for AI developers and the applications of these technologies, particularly in the workplace. This focus was central to a recent hearing held by the state Legislature in New York City, where industry trade groups and other stakeholders shared their insights and recommendations for legislative action.
Key Stakeholders and Future Directions
The hearing featured testimony from various panels of witnesses, highlighting the collaborative approach lawmakers are taking to shape the future of AI regulation in New York. With the tech industry’s previous resistance in mind, the upcoming legislative proposals aim to strike a balance between innovation and the ethical use of AI technologies.
As New York continues to lead the charge in AI regulation, the outcomes of these legislative efforts will be closely watched by both industry stakeholders and the public, marking a pivotal moment in the governance of artificial intelligence.
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