Attorney General Raúl Torrez, along with a bipartisan group of 30 attorneys general, has expressed opposition to efforts that could lead to a ban on state laws addressing artificial intelligence (AI). The coalition sent a letter to Congress amid concerns that some lawmakers might try to include such a ban in a military funding bill. The attorneys general argue that state laws are necessary due to the federal government's lack of comprehensive AI protections.
"While Congress continues to stall on meaningful AI safeguards, states like New Mexico have been doing the real work," said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. He emphasized the importance of states maintaining their authority to protect consumers and democratic institutions from AI misuse until federal regulations are established.
The letter highlights AI's potential benefits in fields like healthcare and public safety but also warns about its risks. These include scams targeting senior citizens, inappropriate interactions with children, and potentially encouraging harmful behaviors. Some states have already enacted laws against AI tools that spread misinformation, facilitate robocalls, deceive consumers, compromise data privacy, and manipulate costs.
Instead of banning state AI laws, the coalition urges Congress to collaborate on creating federal protections against harmful AI practices. The letter was signed by attorneys general from various states including California, Connecticut, Delaware, and others.
The full letter is available online for further details.
Information from this article can be found here.
