AI Regulation Debate in 2025: Potential Unification of Laws or a Heterogeneous Approach, as suggested by CEO Jules Polonetsky
In a recent op-ed published by Tech Policy Press on January 10, 2025, Jules Polonetsky, a renowned expert in technology policy, discusses the current state and future prospects of AI-related legislation in the United States.
Polonetsky highlights the importance of public-private collaboration in shaping AI policy, particularly in the context of the 119th Congress. Unlike previous years, this Congress is not prioritizing broad federal regulation or moratoriums on AI; instead, it has allowed state and local governments to retain their authority to regulate AI technologies. This reflects ongoing federalism tensions, with states playing a vital role in AI governance while Congress, the administration, and the private sector consider how best to promote sound AI oversight going forward.
Rather than comprehensive AI regulation, the 119th Congress appears more focused on leveraging AI within federal agencies to improve government operations. The Congress encourages agencies such as the Library of Congress, Congressional Research Service, Government Accountability Office, and Congressional Budget Office to develop common AI policy standards around privacy, security, and collaboration.
In addition to AI, Congress is prioritizing cybersecurity, requiring legislative branch agencies to report on their cybersecurity programs to ensure robust defenses against evolving cyber threats.
Other prominent tech-policy related concerns include law enforcement adapting to AI’s dual-use nature, where criminals exploit AI, but law enforcement must use it wisely to combat crime. This has sparked debate regarding the limits and safeguards around AI usages like facial recognition, which some lawmakers urge should be cautiously regulated at local and state levels to prevent misuse and civil rights violations.
The 119th Congress's approach to AI regulation is a balancing act, recognizing the potential benefits of AI while addressing the associated risks. Polonetsky raises concerns about the potential risks and harms associated with AI, particularly in areas like privacy, discrimination, and security. He calls for continued dialogue and engagement between policymakers, industry leaders, and the public to ensure responsible AI development and deployment.
In summary, the 119th Congress is not prioritizing broad federal regulation or moratoriums on AI; instead, it has allowed state and local governments to retain their authority to regulate AI technologies. The Congress is promoting the use of AI tools to improve government operations, developing AI policy standards around privacy, security, and collaboration, prioritizing cybersecurity, encouraging the use of AI in law enforcement with caution, and debating on facial recognition safeguards. This indicates AI regulation is a contentious federalism issue, with Congress currently deferring heavy regulation but encouraging practical AI use in government, while cybersecurity and law enforcement adaptation to AI risks attract greater legislative attention.
legislationregarding Artificial-Intelligence (AI) is a key topic in the 119th Congress, with the focus being on promoting the use of AI tools within federal agencies.
The 119th Congress is encouraging federal agencies to adopt common AI policy standards around privacy, security, and collaboration.
Rather than broad federal regulation, the 119th Congress has allowed state and local governments to retain their authority to regulate AI technologies, recognizing the ongoing federalism tensions in AI governance.
