RTP's Fourth Branch Podcast Tech Roundup Episode 27 - AI on the Senate Floor: Is it Time for a Moratorium?
May 28, 2025
Scott Babwah Brennen, Director of the Center for Technology Policy at NYU, dives into the complexities of AI regulation. He discusses the proposed 10-year moratorium on state-level AI laws, debating whether it encourages or hinders innovation. The conversation highlights the balance needed between regulatory frameworks and consumer protection, exploring voluntary compliance standards and emphasizing the importance of a cohesive national approach. Brennen and his co-hosts tackle the pressing need for a unified strategy in the rapidly evolving world of AI.
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Episode notes
State AI Laws Create Patchwork Risk
- AI state regulations vary greatly, risking a complex patchwork of laws that could hinder innovation and commerce.
- Congress considers a 10-year moratorium on state AI regulations to preserve a national, unified marketplace.
Colorado's AI Law Challenges
- Colorado passed a leading AI Act addressing algorithmic discrimination, but faced practical difficulties and calls for revisions.
- Governor Polis himself urged a federal cohesive approach and supported a shorter moratorium, highlighting state challenges.
States as AI Regulatory Testbeds
- States can serve as experimentation labs for AI regulation, but comprehensive state laws risk inconsistent impacts.
- Federal government involvement is necessary to coordinate and balance innovation with consumer protection.
