OpenAI and Microsoft team up with state law enforcers on AI safety task force

As artificial intelligence continues to permeate various facets of daily life—from education to employment and even personal relationships—the need for regulatory oversight has become increasingly urgent. In a significant move, two state attorneys general have announced a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing AI safety. North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson and Utah Attorney General Derek Brown revealed the establishment of the AI Task Force on Monday. This endeavor marks a partnership with tech leaders OpenAI and Microsoft, with hopes that additional state regulators and AI companies will participate. The primary objective of the task force is to create fundamental safety measures that AI developers should adopt to protect users, particularly children, from potential harm, and to identify emerging risks associated with evolving AI technologies. Currently, there is no comprehensive federal legislation governing AI, and recent attempts by federal lawmakers to limit regulation have sparked concern among state officials. Earlier this year, Jackson and Brown were part of a coalition of 40 attorneys general advocating against a proposed moratorium that would have stifled state-level enforcement of AI regulations for a decade. While one piece of federal legislation, the Take It Down Act, aimed at tackling non-consensual deepfake pornography, has been enacted, broader concerns around AI safety have escalated, particularly regarding reports linking AI usage to harmful behaviors. In light of these developments, Jackson expressed skepticism about Congress's ability to swiftly regulate AI, pointing to a history of inaction on issues like social media and internet privacy. He emphasized the urgency of state-level initiatives in the face of Congressional inaction. Divergent strategies among leading AI firms have surfaced, with OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman advocating for robust child safety measures that would allow adult users to engage in more open conversations. In contrast, Microsoft’s AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman has reiterated a commitment to preventing all romantic or sexual interactions through AI, aiming to create a platform that parents can trust for their children. Kia Floyd, Microsoft’s general manager of state government affairs, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating that it reflects a mutual aim to leverage AI's benefits while proactively addressing unintended consequences. The task force's guidelines, while voluntary, will facilitate a coordinated effort among state law enforcement to monitor AI developments and risks, potentially paving the way for collective legal actions against companies that may harm consumers. Jackson remains hopeful for future Congressional action on AI legislation but acknowledges the current regulatory void, suggesting that it is essential for attorneys general to step in and fill that gap.