The Trump administration has issued an executive order aimed at preventing individual states from enforcing their own artificial intelligence (AI) regulations. President Trump signed the order in the Oval Office on Thursday.
The order provides the administration with mechanisms to counter state-level AI regulations. White House AI adviser David Sacks stated that the government would not oppose AI regulations concerning children's safety. President Trump indicated a preference for a single, central source of approval for AI regulation.
Proponents of the order, including AI company executives, have argued that varied state-level regulations could impede innovation and hinder the United States' competitive position in the global AI industry, particularly against China. Companies have invested significant capital into AI development.
However, the executive order has faced opposition. California, a state home to numerous technology companies, has existing AI regulations. Governor Gavin Newsom, a critic of President Trump, issued a statement in response to the order. He asserted that the order was an attempt to preempt state laws designed to protect residents from unregulated AI technology. Earlier this year, Governor Newsom signed legislation requiring major AI developers to outline strategies for mitigating risks associated with their AI models.
Other states, including Colorado and New York, have also enacted laws regulating AI development. Governor Newsom has previously suggested that California's law could serve as a model for federal legislation.
Critics of the executive order contend that state laws are necessary, especially in the absence of comprehensive federal oversight. Julie Scelfo, representing the advocacy group Mothers Against Media Addiction, stated that preventing states from enacting their own AI safeguards affects their ability to protect residents.