South Carolina Group Pushes AI Regulation Ahead of Legislative Session
As the South Carolina legislative session approaches, a significant movement is underway led by the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce. This initiative is focused on the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI), which has sparked potential conflicts with federal directives, particularly an executive order issued by President Donald Trump that blocks state oversight of AI.
Immediate Risks of AI
Frank Knapp, the president and CEO of the SC Small Business Chamber of Commerce, has voiced concerns about the serious risks posed by AI. He emphasizes the urgent need for state action, stating:
“What we don’t want is artificial intelligence grooming our children for sexual exploitation and for them to commit harm to themselves, even suicide. The same happens with adults that look for emotional counseling with these AI chat boxes. That is a serious problem.”
Healthcare Focus Drives State Action
Knapp highlighted that currently, 47 states are contemplating bills aimed at managing AI use within the healthcare space. This push for regulation is gaining momentum as concerns mount regarding AI’s role in mental health services.
Charleston resident Will Vandergrift supports the call for regulation, particularly in the context of mental health applications, stating:
“AI should not be used as a mental health provider at all. I don’t think that you can replace a human’s expertise with something as nuanced as the human psyche.”
Federal-State Conflict Expected
Despite the growing state-level movements for regulation, Trump’s executive order seeks to maintain U.S. leadership in AI technology by preventing states from imposing their regulations. Knapp contends that states cannot afford to wait for federal action:
“We just can’t wait for down the road. It’s all happening now and it’s up to the states. Congress is not going to do anything to regulate the negatives out of AI.”
This situation sets the stage for a potential legal battle between states implementing AI regulations and the federal government, raising questions about the power of the executive order and the autonomy of state governments in this rapidly evolving technological landscape.
As the debate continues, the implications of these regulatory efforts will be closely watched, especially regarding their impact on the future of AI in industries such as healthcare.
