In the United States, the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) has predominantly been undertaken at the state level, leading to a diverse landscape of laws and legislative proposals. These initiatives can be categorized into several key areas:

1. Data Privacy and Protection

Several states have enacted laws to safeguard personal data in the context of AI:

• California: The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and its subsequent amendments enhance consumer rights over personal data, impacting how AI systems process such information.
• Colorado: The Colorado Privacy Act includes provisions that affect AI systems handling personal data.
• Virginia: The Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act establishes requirements for data controllers, influencing AI data processing practices.

2. Algorithmic Accountability and Transparency

To address concerns about bias and fairness in AI algorithms, certain states have implemented measures to ensure accountability:

• Illinois: The state enacted legislation requiring employers to notify applicants when AI is used and to obtain consent.
• New York City: Local Law 144 mandates bias audits for automated employment decision tools to prevent discriminatory outcomes.

3. Government Use and Oversight of AI

Some states have focused on regulating AI within government operations:

• Connecticut: Legislation requires the Department of Administrative Services to inventory AI systems used by state agencies and assess them for potential discrimination.
• Vermont: Established the Division of Artificial Intelligence to oversee and provide guidance on AI applications within state government.​

4. Formation of AI Task Forces and Advisory Committees

To better understand and manage AI’s implications, several states have formed dedicated bodies:

• Texas: Created an AI advisory council to study and monitor AI systems developed or employed by state agencies.
• North Dakota: Established an AI commission to explore the technology’s impact and provide recommendations.​

5. Sector-Specific AI Regulations

Certain states have introduced AI regulations targeting specific industries:

• California: Enacted laws requiring contracts with performers to specify AI’s role in replicating their likeness or voice, addressing concerns in the entertainment industry.
• Minnesota: Considering legislation to impose civil penalties on companies that use AI to create explicit images without consent, aiming to protect individuals from non-consensual explicit content.

6. Prohibitions on Deceptive AI Practices

Some states have moved to ban specific malicious uses of AI:

• Alabama: Prohibited the distribution of materially deceptive media created by AI within 90 days of an election, aiming to prevent misinformation.
• New Hampshire: Enacted laws criminalizing the fraudulent use of deepfakes, addressing concerns over AI-generated deceptive content.

This state-by-state approach reflects a fragmented regulatory environment, with each state addressing AI’s challenges and opportunities based on its priorities and concerns. As AI technology continues to evolve, further legislative developments are anticipated at both state and federal levels

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