In the suburbs of Salt Lake City, a group of Republican activists convened to discuss this year's elections, delving into familiar conservative hot topics such as the state's dwindling water resources, concerns over immigration fraud, and various conspiracy theories. However, Doug Fiefia, a state representative aiming to become a state senator, chose to introduce a different discussion point: artificial intelligence. Fiefia, a former Google employee, is leveraging his tech background to center his campaign around the regulation of this rapidly evolving industry.
"I know it might sound like I'm fixated on this," Fiefia remarked. "But this technology is arriving, and it will be our greatest challenge."
His focus on AI has put him at odds with the Trump administration, which intervened this year to block his proposal requiring companies to establish child safety measures in AI technologies. The White House is advocating for a uniform national standard on AI, citing concerns that a fragmented regulatory approach could stifle American innovation in the competitive landscape against China.
With little advancement at the federal level, state lawmakers have been left to tackle the implications of AI technology on their own. For instance, Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis has added AI regulation to the agenda of an upcoming special legislative session, while New York has mandated that major AI developers report incidents that pose a danger to the public.
Currently, there are over 1,000 proposals across various state legislatures that address AI, showcasing the widespread anxiety surrounding this technology.
"There's a lot of uncertainty," noted Brett Young, a structural engineer who participated in the meeting with Fiefia. "Are we justified in our fears, or is it overblown and potentially beneficial?"
At the state level, the Trump administration has sought to curb local AI regulations through executive orders, which include legal threats and funding penalties aimed at deterring new laws. Recently, the White House unveiled a framework for possible congressional legislation that would preempt state laws deemed overly restrictive, while still permitting some regulations that protect children and copyright.
Despite these efforts, the number of proposals being considered at the state level continues to grow. Popular initiatives include requiring chatbots to identify as non-human and prohibiting the use of AI to create non-consensual pornography.
Craig Albright, senior vice president for government relations at the Business Software Alliance, noted that state lawmakers are closely monitoring federal actions and feel a pressing need to act due to dissatisfaction with the federal response.
A recent Quinnipiac poll revealed that about 80% of Americans express concern regarding AI, with many believing the government is falling short in regulating the technology, including a significant number of both Democrats and Republicans who desire more intervention.
California and New York, both led by Democratic majorities, have implemented the most significant regulatory initiatives, focusing on transparency about catastrophic risks posed by AI, such as malfunctioning systems in critical sectors like nuclear power.
Interestingly, there is also momentum for regulation in Republican-led states. DeSantis advocated for a bill that would require parental controls for minors using AI and prevent the unauthorized use of individuals' likenesses, although this measure stumbled in the House after passing the Senate with strong support.
Fiefia is part of a growing network of former tech professionals who have transitioned into public office, aiming to meet the demand for tighter oversight on AI technologies. He co-leads an AI task force under the Future Caucus with Monique Priestley from Vermont, who shares similar tech-driven legislative goals.
"We collaborate through video calls and group chats to brainstorm proposals and navigate lobbying challenges against our initiatives," Priestley explained, highlighting the significant influence lobbyists have in legislative debates.
Currently, Alex Bores, a former data scientist turned political candidate, faces industry pushback as he competes in the Democratic primary for a congressional seat. A pro-AI committee has heavily criticized him, suggesting that tech companies are using him as an example to dissuade regulatory efforts.
Fiefia has not yet garnered the same level of attention as Bores in his push for a Senate seat. His district is suburban in nature, characterized by its picturesque views and family-friendly atmosphere.
Having grown up in Utah as the son of Tongan immigrants, Fiefia worked at Google where he helped implement early AI models. His experiences there left him skeptical of the tech industry's priorities.
"Big Tech is primarily focused on profits rather than the welfare of humanity," Fiefia stated, contrasting his current role at a Utah cloud computing company with his previous tech endeavors.
Fiefia's legislative efforts gained traction when his proposal received unanimous approval from a House committee, but it ultimately faced an uphill battle due to opposition from the Trump administration, which deemed it "unfixable."
Fiefia's opponent in the primary, Senator Daniel McCay, expressed relief that the proposal did not advance, arguing against the notion that new technologies are inherently detrimental to society.
During the discussion among activists, Fiefia was confronted with questions about defying federal authority, asserting that it is vital to prioritize states' rights, particularly when it involves crucial issues like AI.
"The Trump administration promotes zero regulations on AI," he elaborated. "While I align with many of Trump's views, I fundamentally disagree with him on this topic."