Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has joined a bipartisan group of 36 attorneys general in urging Congress not to pass legislation that would prevent states from enacting their own laws on artificial intelligence (AI). Reports indicate that lawmakers may include such a ban in an upcoming military funding bill, similar to a proposal that was previously opposed by the same coalition over the summer.
“It is outrageous that Congress would try to prevent states from taking necessary steps to keep our residents safe from the threats posed by unregulated and unmonitored artificial intelligence,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “Our law enforcement partners and consumer protection advocates across New Jersey are increasingly alarmed that children, senior citizens, and others are being victimized and exploited by AI-enabled criminal-schemes or AI-fueled chatbots. I am proud to stand with a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general to oppose this deeply misguided congressional effort to enrich a small number of AI companies and executives at the expense of our state’s residents.”
The coalition recognizes the positive potential of AI in areas like health care and public safety but also highlights risks associated with its misuse. According to recent reports, AI has been used in scams targeting vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, manipulated conversations with children, and even contributed to self-harm among some users.
States have enacted various laws designed to protect residents from dangers linked to AI, including regulations against misinformation during elections, scam robocalls, deceptive product information, data privacy violations, and cost manipulation through algorithms. The attorneys general argue these state-level protections are crucial because federal safeguards addressing unique risks posed by AI remain insufficient.
Instead of restricting state authority over AI regulation, the group urges Congressional leaders to collaborate on comprehensive federal measures aimed at protecting consumers from harmful uses of artificial intelligence.
The letter sent by Attorney General Platkin is co-signed by attorneys general representing American Samoa, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island South Carolina Tennessee Utah Vermont U.S. Virgin Islands Washington and Wisconsin.
