Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) believes that federal regulation of AI is inevitable, despite resistance from major tech firms. She stated, “Until Congress restricts big tech platforms, states will need to step up.”
With growing apprehension among Americans regarding AI’s potential risks, various states are beginning to enact their own AI-related laws to tackle safety and privacy concerns. Blackburn insists that Congress should intervene to set a national standard.
At the CNBC AI Summit in Nashville, Blackburn mentioned, “States are stepping in to protect consumers and children because federal legislation for preemption hasn’t been passed yet.” She reiterated, “Unless Congress takes action against big tech platforms, states will have to fill that void.”
Blackburn has long championed children’s online safety and social media regulation. In 2022, she proposed the Kids Online Safety Act, which seeks to create guidelines for shielding minors from harmful online content. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with significant support, and Blackburn hopes the House will address it, despite delays caused by tech giants.
As concerns around digital safety grow with the rise of AI, Blackburn stressed the urgent need for an Online Consumer Privacy Protection Act. This act would enable people to set up measures to safeguard their online identities. She noted that once a large language model gathers an individual’s data, it can be utilized to train AI effectively.
Beyond the Online Privacy Bill, Blackburn is also pursuing measures to regulate how AI utilizes people’s names, images, and likenesses without their consent. “We must protect information in the digital realm like we do in the physical world,” she stated.
Recognizing the swift evolution of AI, Blackburn pointed out that regulation should “concentrate on the end-use applications instead of fixating on specific technologies.” This would enable legislators to adapt as AI companies innovate their products.
Moreover, Blackburn noted rising concerns amongst parents over AI and how it affects their children. Many parents are contemplating restricting mobile phone access for their kids until they turn 16, likening it to the age requirement for driving.
