Nicholas Farnsworth on AI State Regulatory Activity

Orrick Data Partner Nick Farnsworth led a discussion with state AG representatives at IAPP’s AI Governance Global North America conference, exploring how regulators are applying existing consumer protection laws to AI and navigating the emerging patchwork of over 160 AI-specific state laws.

Nick explained that the flurry of state law enactment and recent enforcement activity “raises the bar everywhere.” As Nick observed, there are growing trends in how AI will be regulated: Transparency, High Risk Mitigations, Non-Discrimination and Responsibility.

The discussion underscored that state cooperation around enforcement is increasing, with AGs showing interest in AI activities even if their state doesn’t have a specific law addressing them yet.

Massachusetts Assistant AG Jared Rinehimer and Tyler Bridegan, outgoing Director of Privacy and Tech Enforcement in the Texas AG’s Office, emphasized that regulators closely monitor news and private litigation.

“Things that cause a lot of harm are certainly the things that are going to get our attention,” Rinehimer noted, pointing to high-risk circumstances involving children.

Read the full article in Cybersecurity Law Report