DeSantis Vows 'Strong Policies Soon' to Regulate AI, Citing Risks and 'Tech Overlord' Concerns

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has recently intensified his focus on artificial intelligence, signaling forthcoming "strong policies" to address the technology's rapid expansion and potential societal impacts. This heightened attention has been noted by observers like Miles Brundage, who commented on social media, "> 'Ron DeSantis is really on an AI-related tweet kick lately...' ". The governor has expressed significant concerns regarding AI's influence across various sectors and its implications for the workforce and individual autonomy.

DeSantis has voiced apprehension about AI's potential to displace white-collar jobs, arguing that it could impact professions from entry-level positions to legal assistant roles. He stated, "I’m not one to say we should just turn over our humanity to AI," emphasizing the need for technology to enhance, rather than supplant, the human experience. The governor also highlighted AI's substantial energy consumption as a concern for taxpayers and utility ratepayers.

The Florida governor has advocated for state-level regulation of AI, pushing back against federal proposals that sought to ban states from enacting their own rules for a decade. He warned that such federal preemption would leave states "at the beck and call of Silicon Valley tech overlords." DeSantis believes that while AI is an inevitable part of the future, it requires "guardrails" and "rules of the road" to prevent misuse and protect citizens.

Despite his cautious stance, DeSantis has also acknowledged AI's utility, noting that Florida is using the technology to identify government waste. He previously signed a law requiring online platforms to remove AI-generated sexual deepfakes. However, he vetoed a bill that would have mandated a study on AI's impact on the workforce, reasoning that the technology's rapid evolution would render such a report obsolete quickly.

DeSantis has pledged to roll out a "coherent approach" for Florida in the coming months, indicating that legislation may be necessary to provide adequate protections. He has repeatedly warned about the potential for AI to be used to "scam, to cheat, to steal, to harm people." His administration aims to navigate the complexities of AI to ensure Floridians can "live good, meaningful lives" amidst technological advancement.