Marketplace Tech Bytes: Week in Review - Amazon scales back AI anime dubs
9 snips
Dec 5, 2025 
Maria Curie, a tech policy reporter at Axios, dives into the complex world of AI regulation and consumer protection. She discusses the failed attempt by Republican leaders to block state-level AI laws, highlighting the bipartisan pushback faced. Curie also examines New York's pioneering algorithmic pricing law and its implications for consumer rights. The conversation takes a turn as she explores Amazon's retreat from AI dubbing due to fan backlash, emphasizing the impact of consumer influence and the challenges in balancing accessibility with quality.
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Federal Preemption Efforts Will Persist
- Attempts to block state AI rules via the NDAA failed this time but are likely to reappear in other vehicles.
- Maria Curi says federal actors may try an executive order or other placements to preempt state laws.
Executive Order Could Use Grants As Leverage
- A possible executive order could pressure states by conditioning federal grants on rolling back enforcement.
- Maria Curi notes the task force idea would target state laws that allegedly interfere with interstate commerce.
AI Regulation Crosses Party Lines
- AI regulation isn't strictly partisan yet and attracts opposition across the spectrum.
- Maria Curi highlights that red and blue states both have moved to regulate areas like deepfakes and political ads.