Conn. Privacy Law Author Renews Push Against Federal AI Moratorium
Connecticut Sen. James Maroney (D) on Thursday continued his push against Congress’ potential AI moratorium, saying it prevents states from upholding their privacy laws (see 2506250044).
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“This proposal would strip states of the ability to protect children online, combat deepfake revenge porn, regulate self-driving cars, and uphold existing data privacy laws,” said Maroney, who authored the Connecticut Data Privacy Act and amendments signed into law Wednesday (see 2506260005). “It represents a significant overreach into states’ rights.”
Industry and consumer groups are divided on the proposal.
The Business Software Alliance on Thursday said the moratorium “seeks to address a worst-case scenario in which states enact conflicting and unworkable laws that hamper innovation. ... BSA supports clear and consistent national standards that bolster AI security, build public trust in AI, and give businesses the confidence to adopt AI solutions.”
The Center for Democracy & Technology said it remains opposed. “Even if the AI moratorium were narrowed, it’s still a bad policy that would force states to choose between accepting more funds to get communities online and protecting their residents from AI harms for 10 years,” said Privacy & Data Project co-director Eric Null. “AI protections and broadband infrastructure buildout should happen hand-in-hand, not be an either-or choice. AI companies in the states that take more BEAD funding will have no accountability for their practices under either state or federal law.”