In AI We Trust? AI Literacy Series Ep. 11: Adam Thierer on AI, Innovation & Tech Policy
Aug 5, 2025
Adam Thierer, a resident senior fellow at the R Street Institute, dives into the intricate world of AI policy and governance. He discusses the Trump Administration’s AI Action Plan and highlights Congress's crucial role in shaping AI legislation. Thierer emphasizes the urgency for AI literacy and transparent regulation that consumers can understand. He also explores the need for adaptive governance and workforce upskilling, stressing the importance of trust between consumers and companies in navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
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Unprecedented AI Policy Activity
- The AI policy landscape is unprecedented with ~1000 related bills in US state legislatures in 2025.
- Bipartisan AI principles around innovation and competition remain, despite controversial speech regulation issues.
Existing Laws Cover Many AI Issues
- Existing laws like consumer protection and civil rights can address many AI harms.
- Specific controversies like copyright may require new market-driven solutions to avoid political gridlock.
Congress Needs Focused AI Action
- Congress must engage more actively with AI policy to avoid fragmented regulation.
- Focused, narrower legislation is better than broad omnibus bills to avoid legislative failure.
