Reject sweeping AI deregulation endangering public safety

The proposed moratorium on state regulation of artificial intelligence for the next decade is deeply concerning and should be firmly opposed. While the stated goal of promoting American leadership in AI is admirable, implementing a sweeping ban that strips away existing and future consumer protections is an unacceptable approach. This provision would leave the public vulnerable to potential harms from AI applications like discriminatory employment tools, deepfakes, addictive chatbots, and other risky technologies without any safeguards in place. Proponents argue that a patchwork of state regulations could hinder innovation, but states are focused on key areas of safety like fraud and privacy rather than hindering legitimate research and development. Their efforts are tailored and proportional, often accounting for company size. Meanwhile, the proposed federal moratorium is unprecedented in scope and timeline. Numerous advocacy groups have raised alarms about wiping out all state AI laws before enacting new federal protections. Historically, tech companies have lobbied to kill meaningful regulation at both the state and federal levels. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past when social media companies operated without oversight, harming youth mental health and wellbeing. Consumer safety must be the priority. I urge you to reject this provision and instead pursue a balanced, human-centered approach to AI governance that protects people's rights while supporting responsible innovation.