An AI Bill of Rights proposal backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis passed its first Senate committee Wednesday. This policy has gained support across political parties and interest groups.
The Bill of Rights would require disclosures to consumers about the use of AI systems, require AI companies to anonymize user data before sale, prohibit the use of unauthorized names, images and likenesses, and require parental consent for minors to use companion chatbots.
Sen. Tom Leake, R-St. Augustine, believes full regulation of AI should occur at the national level, but these protections need to happen immediately.
“It’s up to Congress to act, but I don’t really believe at this point that we don’t at least act soon. And I think the protections that we have here for minors and vulnerable adults and all of us are really consistent with what President Trump wants,” he said.
Business, labor, and parental rights groups all spoke in favor of the bill’s general direction. But Rich Templin of the AFL-CIO argues that provisions should be added to protect workers.
“We see this as the next industrial revolution and we want to make sure we have a regulatory framework in place to take care of workers. This is a great start for consumer protection. But what about workers?” he said.
Last month, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at limiting state regulation of artificial intelligence. But there are questions about how far the federal government can block state-level regulation.
A Gallup poll last year found that 80% of American adults think the government should maintain rules around AI safety and data security, even if it slows technology development. For more WFSU news,
