As the debate over the Blackburn-Cruz AI moratorium amendment intensifies, Senator Cantwell has filed an amendment to remove the provision from the Republican budget reconciliation bill. The proposal has faced growing opposition from various organizations and individuals concerned about its implications.
Senator Cantwell expressed her concerns, stating that the amendment is "just another giveaway to tech companies" and could shield AI and social media from litigation and state regulation.
A coalition of over 130 organizations focused on children's online safety, consumer protections, and responsible innovation argued that recent changes to the proposal might hinder states' ability to enforce laws. They noted that while child safety laws are included as exemptions, they must not impose an "undue" or "disproportionate burden" on AI systems, which many existing laws do by design.
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety voiced their opposition to provisions affecting artificial intelligence in both the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) and Senate language. They emphasized that state actions on AI should remain intact in the absence of federal regulations.
Americans for Responsible Innovation highlighted a loophole in the Blackburn-Cruz compromise that affects many AI/kids safety laws, including the ELVIS Act. Common Sense Media criticized the revised language for potentially rolling back progress made by states in protecting children from social media and AI influences.
The Consumer Federation of America pointed out changes announced by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Ted Cruz (R-TX), reducing the moratorium period from ten years to five years but making it easier for tech companies to avoid accountability.
The Council for Innovation Promotion urged Congress to reject this moratorium to allow states room for crafting responsible AI policies. Design it for US expressed concern about potential harm to young people due to loopholes in the compromise.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation opposed any restrictions on states' ability to regulate AI, especially without comprehensive federal legislation. The International Longshore & Warehouse Union reiterated their strong opposition due to potential impacts on workers across various industries.
The National Conference of State Legislatures called upon U.S. senators to reject what they termed a misguided provision. Sacha Haworth of The Tech Oversight Project criticized Congress's approach towards Big Tech's accountability concerning untested AI technologies harming people, particularly children.
The United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry also opposed this version of the moratorium included in Monday's budget reconciliation bill vote-a-rama session. Lastly, Writer’s Guild of America East encouraged citizens to contact their senators demanding removal of this provision from Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill.
