Adam Thierer of the R Street Institute has highlighted a shift in the approach to regulating artificial intelligence. Thierer, who is known for advocating “permissionless innovation,” suggests that unless a technology creates an immediate and clear danger, it should be allowed to develop freely with specific laws addressing any abuses that arise. He contrasts this view with more cautious regulatory approaches.
According to Thierer, there is now a move away from his preferred method. Instead of targeted regulation, states are increasingly adopting broad frameworks and comprehensive compliance requirements for AI technologies. This trend signals a departure from allowing experimentation first and regulating later.
“The political economy of AI is now tilting the other way. Adam Thierer from R Street Institute has long contrasted a ‘permissionless innovation’ ethos with precautionary default, arguing that unless a technology poses a concrete, near-term threat, experimentation should proceed while targeted law handles specific abuses. The state-by-state turn rejects that logic, replacing it with omni-purpose frameworks and broad compliance duties.”
This change reflects growing concerns among policymakers about the risks associated with AI and represents an effort by states to address potential harms through preemptive regulation rather than reactive measures.
