NYC Mayor wants AI to be regulated at every single level; points to layoffs and more

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called for strict regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) across all levels of government in the United States. He warned that the technology must be controlled "at every single level" across the country, echoing concerns raised by prominent AI insiders about the risks associated with the platforms they are developing.

Mamdani explained that AI has become a part of everyday life for most New Yorkers, even if they are not actively using it. For example, when people use popular search engines like Google or DuckDuckGo, AI plays a role in generating the results they see. He emphasized that the technology is embedded in these systems, and its potential impact on society is significant.

The mayor cited estimates from industry leaders who suggest there is a 10% chance that AI development could lead to human extinction. He argued that such a sobering assessment warrants an immediate and serious government response, as it represents one of the most consequential technological shifts in recent generations.

Mamdani stressed that AI regulation must extend beyond just the political discourse and encompass all levels of government. He argued that municipal policies are insufficient, as the technology affects the entire nation and not just New York City. He urged for a national response to address the urgent concerns posed by AI.

Moving past the narrative of AI as an international arms race, Mamdani focused on the immediate domestic impacts of the technology. He pointed out that AI is already disrupting the job market and changing the way people interact with information. These effects on the workforce and public perception of the world are of great importance, and he expressed optimism about the potential for new legislation to address these issues.