How States Are Stepping in to Regulate AI
States are stepping in to regulate AI amid an absence of federal legislation to address fast-changing developments with the technology. This spring, Colorado became the first state to pass a comprehensive piece of AI legislation that cuts across industries and various aspects of AI usage . Colorado’s law zeros in on high-risk AI systems — or those that make “consequential decisions” that could affect consumers’ ability to apply for a job, loan, or many other services. Although other states might follow Colorado’s lead and adopt broad legislation, most have taken a more targeted approach to regulating AI. Their efforts have focused on regulating specific applications of AI and industries. More than 40 states have introduced AI-related legislation this year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Large states, including California, can set standards that companies nationwide can follow to avoid the complexity of complying with multiple regulations. These standards al...