Parents Urge New York Governor to Sign AI Safety Bill Without Changes

New York Parents Advocate for Artificial Intelligence Regulations

In a united front, over 150 parents from all corners of New York have voiced their desire to Governor Kathy Hochul, urging her to ratify the Responsible AI Safety and Education (RAISE) Act without alterations. The parents solidified their position through a letter they dispatched on Friday, underscoring the dire need for robust oversight and safety standards in the rapidly changing arena of artificial intelligence.

Fight for AI Accountability and Fear of Reshaping the Bill

Promulgated by the New York State Senate and Assembly in June, the RAISE Act was crafted with the intent of holding developers of large-scale AI models liable for their creations. This prospective law won’t be lenient on industry giants like Meta, OpenAI, Deepseek, and Google, compelling them to produce extensive safety plans and promptly disclose any incidents linked to AI safety. The Act primarily aspires to lay the groundwork for transparency and responsibility, a crucial move as AI tools become an essential component of our everyday lives.

However, with the Act’s initial robust momentum, it is reported that Governor Hochul is considering a sweeping overhaul of the proposed law. Recent reports suggest that the proposed revisions could considerably dilute the law, drawing it more in line with the industry-friendly adjustments to similar legislations in California. This idea has unsurprisingly ignited apprehensions among parents and advocates who believe that this could place the core guarantees of the RAISE Act in jeopardy.

These anxieties are founded on the undeniable fact that for many of these parents, this is a personal war for their kids’ future. As AI technologies begin to pervade areas like their children’s education, their privacy, and their virtual experiences, parents are increasingly worried about what these advancements might mean. As such, the letter sent to Governor Hochul is much more than a piece of paper; it’s a demand for the governor to set public safety above corporate welfare. As one parent astutely pointed out, “We need laws that put people first, not ones that give tech giants a free pass.”

Waiting for a Precedent in AI Legislation

In light of the mounting public pressure, Governor Hochul’s verdict on the RAISE Act is eagerly anticipated, as it could forge a path for how states will handle AI regulations in the future. With the whole country on tenterhooks, only time will tell if New York will set a bold standard for AI legislation or buckle under the power of industry sway.

For further insight into this ongoing story, be sure to check out the comprehensive report at The Verge.