How Trump is blocking U.S. states from regulating artificial intelligence

"President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday aimed at blocking states from crafting their own regulations for artificial intelligence, saying the burgeoning industry is at risk of being stifled by a patchwork of onerous rules while in a battle with Chinese competitors for supremacy.Members of Congress from both parties, as well as civil liberties and consumer rights groups, have pushed for more regulations on AI, saying there is not enough oversight for the powerful technology."

"But Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that "there's only going to be one winner" as nations race to dominate artificial intelligence, and China's central government gives its companies a single place to go for government approvals."We have the big investment coming, but if they had to get 50 different approvals from 50 different states, you can forget it because it's impossible to do," Trump said."

"The executive order directs the Attorney General to create a new task force to challenge state laws, and directs the Commerce Department to draw up a list of problematic regulations.It also threatens to restrict funding from a broadband deployment program and other grant programs to states with AI laws.David Sacks, a venture capitalist with extensive AI investments who is leading Trump's policies on cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, said the Trump administration would only push back on "the most onerous examples of state regulation" but would not oppose "kid safety" measures."

A presidential executive order limits state-level regulation of artificial intelligence to avoid a patchwork of rules that could hinder industry growth and U.S. competitiveness with China. The order directs the Attorney General to form a task force to challenge state laws and orders the Commerce Department to list problematic state regulations. The order also threatens to withhold funding from certain federal broadband and grant programs for states that enact AI laws. Four states—Colorado, California, Utah and Texas—have passed laws imposing some AI rules, including limits on certain personal data collection and transparency requirements. Lawmakers and advocacy groups have called for more AI oversight. A senior advisor said the administration will target only the most onerous state regulations while not opposing child-safety measures.

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