Senator Scott Wiener Alleges Federal Inaction on AI and Data Privacy Fosters U.S. Isolation

California State Senator Scott Wiener recently issued a sharp critique via social media, accusing a prevailing "regime" of systematically isolating the United States across economic, cultural, and communication spheres. The San Francisco Democrat, known for his outspoken stance on progressive issues, asserted that these policies are actively making the country "more ignorant, less prosperous & just all around shittier." His comments underscore a deep frustration with the current direction of national policy.

Senator Wiener's strong condemnation aligns with his broader concerns regarding the federal government's perceived failure to address critical technological and societal challenges. During a July 2025 keynote on Artificial Intelligence (AI), he specifically lambasted the U.S. Congress for its inaction on AI regulation, noting that "Congress has done literally nothing" on issues like deepfake laws or comprehensive data privacy. He called a proposed federal moratorium on state-level AI laws "one of the most irresponsible things I’ve seen in a long time," arguing it would prevent states from implementing necessary safeguards.

He further connected federal inaction to issues of data privacy and public welfare, expressing alarm over the potential for a "police state" where federal agencies, such as Border Patrol, utilize AI to access private citizen information. Wiener highlighted the absence of a comprehensive federal data privacy law, stating, "There’s no federal data privacy law in 2025. Literally none." This, he implied, contributes to a less informed and less secure populace, undermining basic communication freedoms and fostering a surveillance state.

Wiener's critique also touches on economic prosperity, suggesting that the lack of federal engagement in critical areas like AI regulation could hinder the nation's competitive edge. He emphasized California's role as a leader in tech innovation, stating, "California is really well suited to lead on AI policy." His legislative efforts in the state, including past bills on net neutrality and AI safety, reflect his belief that proactive governance is essential when federal leadership is absent.

The Senator's outspokenness is consistent with his political career, where he has often taken on controversial issues and challenged established norms. His tweet encapsulates his profound dissatisfaction with the perceived federal paralysis and its detrimental impact on the nation's global standing and internal well-being.

"This regime is methodically isolating us from the rest of the world economically, culturally & now even for basic communication. They’re determined to make our country more ignorant, less prosperous & just all around shittier." His statement highlights a growing chasm between state-level initiatives and federal policy, particularly concerning emerging technologies and fundamental rights.