Poll: 73% of Americans Want AI Liability; Congress Weighs Preemption Bill
A recent poll reveals that 73% of Americans believe AI companies like Gemini should be held liable for harm caused by their technology. Meanwhile, Congress is preparing a bill that could limit states' ability to regulate AI, raising concerns about accountability and consumer protection. The proposed preemption bill threatens to bar states from implementing AI guardrails tailored to local needs and emerging harms, with companies like State Farm potentially benefiting from minimal safeguards and no end date. Parents testified before Congress about the devastating impact of AI tools on their children, urging senators not to eliminate accountability for AI firms. State lawmakers are leading on legislation to crack down on AI-enabled disinformation in elections, which a federal preemption bill could threaten. Critics argue that Section 230's broad immunity for Big Tech incentivized toxic content, addictive engagement, and the spread of disinformation on social media platforms. In contrast, states like Tennessee and California are enacting critical protections for young people online, artists, creators, and voters in elections. Preemption's defenders insist that a patchwork of state laws is overwhelming AI frontier labs, but a substantive national framework is needed for regulation. As the debate on AI regulation intensifies, Americans are calling for accountability, and states are leading the charge with targeted protections. The proposed federal preemption bill, however, raises concerns about consumer rights and could stifle innovative, tailored state-level solutions.
