The Lawfare Podcast

Lawfare Daily: Adam Thierer on the AI Regulatory Landscape

Apr 1, 2025

Adam Thierer, a Senior Fellow for the Technology & Innovation team at R Street, joins AI expert Kevin Frazier to dissect the evolving landscape of AI regulation. They delve into public responses to the AI Action Plan and highlight tensions between federal and state regulations. Recent vetoes, strategic shifts from the Trump to Biden administrations, and the challenges of cohesive governance are tackled. The duo underscores the need for innovative oversight that balances technological growth with ethical considerations.

38:03

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Episode guests

Adam Thierer

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The podcast discusses the fragmented AI regulatory landscape emerging from state lawmakers advancing their own regulations amidst federal oversight challenges.

A significant theme is the push for an 'AI opportunity' approach that promotes sector-targeted regulations to foster innovation rather than impose restrictions.

Deep dives

Navigating AI Regulation Amidst Political Shifts

The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of AI regulation, particularly following the Trump administration's shift in policy. A critical focus is placed on the AI Action Plan initiated under an executive order, which aims to gather public input on AI governance. However, state lawmakers are already advancing their own regulations, creating a fragmented legal environment that complicates the federal oversight landscape. The ongoing tension between federal and state authority poses significant challenges for national and global AI strategy.

Intro

2min

Navigating AI Regulation in the U.S.

12min

Navigating the Uncertainty of AI Governance in the U.S.

5min

Navigating the Complexities of AI Regulation

2min

Navigating AI Regulation in the U.S.

19min

Exploring AI Regulation: A Conversation Wrap-Up

2min

Adam Thierer, Senior Fellow for the Technology & Innovation team at R Street, joins Kevin Frazier, the AI Innovation and Law Fellow at the UT Austin School of Law and a Contributing Editor at Lawfare, to review public comments submitted in response to the Office of Science and Technology Policy’s Request for Information on the AI Action Plan. The pair summarize their own comments and explore those submitted by major labs and civil society organizations. They also dive into recent developments in the AI regulatory landscape, including a major veto by Governor Youngkin in Virginia.

Readings discussed:

Kevin on Vance’s America First, America Only Approach to AI
Keegan and Adam on AI Safety Treatises
Kevin on Proposed Firings at NIST
Dean and Alan on Preemption

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