Could the future of AI be determined by Florida Republicans?
If President Donald Trump had his way, the Republican Party would be top-to-bottom the party of AI — or, in his preferred branding, “super intelligence.” But down in the very state where Trump has his “winter White House,” two Republicans have put forth a very different vision for the party’s future — and have been […]
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his Attorney General, James Uthmeier, have emerged as vocal critics of the artificial intelligence industry, warning of its potential dangers to children and humanity. This stands in stark contrast to President Donald Trump, who has championed the industry and downplayed the associated risks.
DeSantis attempted to pass an "AI bill of rights" with child safety restrictions, but his efforts were thwarted by other Florida Republicans with ties to the White House. Uthmeier has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, and its CEO, Sam Altman, alleging that the AI systems pose real and growing dangers.
DeSantis and Uthmeier are betting that public backlash against AI will intensify, particularly among Republicans, and that they will be able to steer the party in a post-Trump era. The term-limited Governor has devoted much of his final year in office to a failed effort to pass an "AI bill of rights," which aimed to impose stricter restrictions regarding child safety and other topics.
Both DeSantis and Uthmeier are seen as potential leaders in advocating for AI safety concerns within the Republican Party, especially as the electorate increasingly turns against the industry, despite President Trump's support. Their efforts suggest that there may soon be a significant and influential force on the right that takes AI safety seriously and is willing to act to rein in potential harms.
Written by urgent.news from Vox's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
