DeSantis Working on AI Legislation

Article reposted with permission from The News Service of Florida.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday he’s working with Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, and other lawmakers on legislation aimed at protecting Floridians from effects of rapidly developing artificial intelligence. Warning that without sufficient safeguards, the technology could result in an “age of darkness and deceit,” DeSantis said the legislation will address issues such as protections from Chinese-created AI and deep fake videos and the impacts of huge data centers on the environment, water resources and utility bills. “These are legislative proposals. ... We've worked with a number of senators and … some House members. You know, I personally had discussions with President Ben Albritton,” DeSantis said during an appearance in The Villages. DeSantis’ comments came as House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, has declared next week “Artificial Intelligence Week” in the House. A variety of House panels will look at AI issues. “As policy makers, our understanding of the issue is complicated by the rapid emergence of this complex technology, and, as we’ve seen with social media, short-term legislative choices can have serious long-term consequences,” Perez said in a Nov 18 memo. DeSantis has objected to federal proposals to prevent states from regulating artificial intelligence.