Justice Department Launches Task Force to Challenge State AI Laws

The U.S. Department of Justice announced the formation of an artificial intelligence task force aimed at contesting state-level regulations that affect AI companies. According to an internal memo reviewed by CBS News, this initiative seeks to ensure that AI firms can operate “without cumbersome regulation.” The announcement follows an executive order from President Donald Trump issued last month, which emphasizes the need to limit what he termed “excessive” state regulations.

The memo from Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted concerns regarding a “patchwork” of state regulations that could hinder the growth of the AI industry. Critics from both major political parties have voiced opposition to this executive order, arguing that it may undermine important consumer protections.

The newly established AI Litigation Taskforce will focus on challenging state laws that it deems illegal or unconstitutional. It will argue that these regulations infringe on interstate commerce or conflict with existing federal laws. The task force, operating under the directive of President Trump, will collaborate with David Sacks, the White House’s AI and cryptocurrency advisor, to identify state regulations that may be contested.

Sacks, a notable venture capitalist in Silicon Valley, has publicly supported the executive order. He stated on social media platform X that the order would equip the federal government with the necessary tools to counteract overly burdensome state regulations.

The task force will be led by either Bondi or a designated appointee, and its members will include representatives from various offices within the Department of Justice, such as the Deputy and Associate Attorney General, the Civil Division, and the Solicitor General’s office.

Across the United States, several states, including Colorado, California, Utah, and Texas, have already enacted laws that govern AI companies. Furthermore, additional states are currently considering similar regulations. The majority of AI-related legislative proposals in state legislatures last year focused on consumer protections, aiming to address issues like “deepfakes” and requiring companies to inform users when they are interacting with AI chatbots, according to research from the Brookings Institution.

In December 2023, Senate Democrats, led by Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts, introduced a bill aimed at blocking President Trump’s executive order regarding state AI regulations. Markey expressed confidence that the courts would ultimately rule against what he termed Trump’s “illegal power grab.” He emphasized the role of Congress in asserting its legislative authority to counteract the executive order.

The establishment of this task force signals a significant shift in how the federal government approaches regulation within the rapidly evolving AI sector. As debates around the balance of innovation and regulation continue, the implications of this task force’s actions will be closely monitored by industry stakeholders and policymakers alike.