Mamdani says feds have abdicated on AI, urges New Yorkers to push back
techcrunch ·
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and activist Ilana Glazer recently discussed the societal impact of artificial intelligence at an event hosted by the AI Now Institute. Mamdani urged New Yorkers to resist the narrative that AI adoption is inevitable, arguing instead that public officials must hold tech companies accountable for their actions. He criticized the federal government for abdicating its regulatory responsibilities, noting that current policies often prioritize national competition over humanistic concerns. To protect citizens, Mamdani has already implemented a ban on AI in elementary and middle schools and mandated disclosures for AI-generated real estate listings. The mayor highlighted the dangers of reckless technology adoption, citing recent military incidents involving AI targeting systems as evidence of potential catastrophic failures. He also pointed out that major AI firms are pushing for self-regulation ahead of anticipated initial public offerings. Mamdani called for a new framework that prioritizes accountability rather than allowing developers to operate without oversight.
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