The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) criticized a new proposal to regulate artificial intelligence, saying on March 19 that the bill would impose excessive restrictions and hinder innovation. The comments came after Senator Marsha Blackburn released a 291-page discussion-draft of the “TRUMP AMERICA AI Act,” which TPA said would create burdensome regulations for the technology sector.
The debate over how to regulate artificial intelligence is important because it affects both economic growth and consumer protection. TPA said that while it supports a single national standard for AI, the current proposal would limit opportunities for technological advancement and increase costs for consumers.
David Williams, President of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, said, “Any national standard for AI must create sensible, light-touch rules that give this pivotal technology room to grow. The TRUMP AMERICA AI Act utterly fails in this task. The U.S. has become the global leader in innovation due to its sensible regulatory approach to digital technologies that promotes entrepreneurial freedom and permissionless innovation, all while maintaining a proper balance with consumer protection. Pursuing a different regulatory course for AI—a course reminiscent of the failed policies of Europe—would hold back American innovators in the coming decades and cede America’s technological leadership to China.”
Williams also addressed concerns about state-level laws: “The rise of AI has bolstered economic activity and greatly benefited U.S. businesses and consumers, transforming millions of lives and giving Americans access to unprecedented levels of information. However, the emerging state-level patchwork of AI laws is an existential threat to the industry’s development. For example, legislation in New York State would make it illegal for consumers to research whether it makes sense to go see a doctor or lawyer. Absent a national standard, developers will face the impossible task of complying with countless confusing state-level mandates—and consumers will pay the price. While a single national standard is badly needed, it should not embrace some of the worst and most burdensome ideas that have been percolating in the states.”
He further criticized specific provisions: “The bill also contains extraneous and destructive proposals. Sen. Blackburn’s bill would create a liability free-for-all by sunsetting Section 230, which has been indispensable to the growth of the digital domain. The legislation also bizarrely includes Kids Online Safety Act language, which would impose a vague and onerous ‘duty of care’ for online platforms to prevent undefined harms to minors. Imposing these terribly written rules is a surefire way for the U.S. to slow innovation, reduce consumer choice, and endanger the civil liberties of American users.”
Williams concluded by emphasizing what he sees as missed opportunities: “AI has transformative capabilities, from assisting law enforcement and government in saving taxpayer money to lowering costs for businesses and consumers. AI services need a national standard to grow, innovate, and transform lives. Sen. Blackburn’s proposal, however, would achieve the opposite and kneecap a vital industry.”
Washington D.C.-based Taxpayers Protection Alliance Foundation is described as a non-profit organization advocating for government transparency through public education efforts such as research and analysis about taxation and spending at all levels of government; David Williams serves as its president according to its website.
