Scott Brennen, Director of the NYU Center on Technology Policy, dives into the surge of state-level technology legislation. He highlights the remarkable 163% jump in new laws, discussing pressing issues like AI regulations and online child safety. Scott reveals the implications of these laws on non-consensual imagery, political deepfakes, and copyright protection. With over 238 new legislative pieces, he shares insights on how state responses to emerging technologies are shaping the future and what to expect as we approach 2025.
State-level legislation has surged by 163% with 238 new bills focusing on technology policy, driven by political trifectas and gaps in federal action.
Significant concerns like AI regulation and child online safety are at the forefront of new laws as states actively address emerging challenges.
Deep dives
Surge in State-Level Tech Legislation
There has been a dramatic increase in state-level legislation related to technology, with 238 new regulatory bills passed, representing a 163% increase from the previous year. This surge can be attributed to two main factors: the prevalence of trifecta governments, where one political party controls both the governor's office and the legislature, and a growing recognition of states' roles in technology regulation, particularly in areas like privacy. As states feel empowered to address issues neglected by the federal government, they have begun enacting laws on critical topics such as AI, non-consensual imagery, and political deepfakes. With the absence of filibuster rules in most states, it has become easier for these bills to advance through the legislative process.
Focus on AI and Children's Online Safety
AI and child online safety emerged as significant areas of interest for state-level tech regulation, with over 100 new bills related to AI being enacted last year. States such as Colorado introduced comprehensive AI regulations, while others focused on specific issues, like labeling requirements for generative AI in political ads. Meanwhile, legislative measures addressing child online safety included restrictions on algorithms without parental consent and mandates for parental approval for children under 16 to access social media platforms. The diverse range of approaches reflects the urgent concerns surrounding the impact of technology on privacy and children's well-being.
Growing Attention to Data Centers and Crypto Regulation
States are starting to scrutinize the environmental impact and energy consumption of data centers that previously received significant tax incentives. Regulators are beginning to ask questions about the sustainability of these facilities in light of their massive energy demands, potentially leading to new laws requiring environmental assessments. Meanwhile, cryptocurrency regulations are gaining traction, with 57 crypto bills introduced across 27 states as states align with federal priorities under the new administration. This burgeoning interest suggests that both environmental considerations and the cryptocurrency landscape will shape future state-level legislation.
Congress has not passed many bills on the emerging digital economy. But that does not mean nothing is happening policy-wise. At the state level, there were 238 new pieces of regulatory legislation, according to a new report from New York University. That is a 163 percent increase over 2023. New laws cover AI, non-consensual sexual imagery, political deepfakes, and copyright protection, among other topics. Joining us today is one of the authors of that report. Scott Brennen is the director of the NYU Center on Technology Policy. Darrell M. West and he will discuss why state lawmaking has accelerated and areas such as AI, non-consensual sexual imagery, political deepfakes, and copyright protection where bills have passed. They also will consider the state outlook for 2025.
