Copyright cleveland.com
A surprising bipartisan push to regulate artificial intelligence in Ohio raises a question: Can Republican support withstand pressure from powerful tech industry donors. Wednesday’s episode of the Today in Ohio podcast highlights a new bill in the Ohio House that would hold AI companies legally liable if their chatbots encourage users to harm themselves. It follows another piece of legislation banning AI chatbots from marriage. “What I’m surprised about with both of these pieces of legislation is the Republicans clearly aren’t getting the JD Vance memo,” said Chris Quinn, cleveland.com editor. “JD Vance was thrust into politics by the tech oligarchs who want no regulation on things like AI... So putting these kind of rules in runs completely counter to what this group is doing.” The podcast discussed how House Bill 524, sponsored by a Democrat and a Republican, would empower the Ohio Attorney General to investigate cases where chatbots promote self-harm or violence. The AG could issue cease-and-desist orders and seek civil penalties up to $50,000 per violation. The regulatory approach seems at odds with the tech-friendly stance often associated with today’s Republican party, especially given the growing influence of tech money in politics. The podcast referenced a recent Washington Post story about how Senator JD Vance “was part of a group that got together a few years back” who believed “we need an oligarchy elite that influences government because we can’t leave it to the proletariat to make the decisions.” Courtney Astolfi offered an interesting theory about why state-level Republicans might support such regulation: “Chris, I’m wondering, we talk so much about lobbyists and industry influence on our lawmakers in Columbus. I wonder if AI companies just haven’t gotten around to pumping money at the state level yet. Maybe they’ve started at the federal level.” Despite the current bipartisan support, Quinn predicted the bill’s ultimate failure once tech industry pressure mounts: “My bet is this one doesn’t get passed... I think this one, the memo will come down. ‘We don’t want regulations on technology…’ They want free sailing and they plan to use their influence and power to make sure the people running the country know that and obey them." The exchange highlights a fascinating tension in contemporary politics: the clash between traditional regulatory approaches aimed at protecting the public and the growing influence of tech industry money and power. It also raises questions about whether state legislatures might become the next battleground for tech regulation. Listen to the discussion here. Read more Today in Ohio news Special treatment for the wealthy in FirstEnergy bribery case: Why are execs’ pleadings secret? “He should be in prison:” How restaurateur Bobby George admitted violent abuse and walked away Terrible timing: Disabilities board may seek property tax hike during year of tax rebellion
