AI Regulation 2024: Will the US Election be a Turning Point? 

As the dust settles on the 2024 US election, AI regulation has emerged as a significant point of contention. With former President Donald Trump set to return to the White House, the landscape of AI policy is on the verge of a dramatic shift. AI’s rapid development—embodied by systems like ChatGPT—has already begun reshaping how we interact with information, make decisions, and even vote. Yet, the pace of AI innovation has far outstripped the speed at which meaningful regulation has been implemented. In light of the profound implications AI has on democracy, national security, and the economy, the critical question remains: Will Trump’s presidency mark a turning point for AI oversight, or will it lead to deregulation and a new era of technological laissez-faire? 

The growing demand for AI regulation 

The demand for AI regulation in the U.S. has reached a boiling point. On one hand, AI presents enormous potential benefits. It could revolutionize the way elections are conducted, making them more efficient, secure, and inclusive. For example, AI-powered tools could help detect misinformation, enhance voter engagement, and streamline the electoral process. But with these benefits come serious risks, particularly when it comes to protecting the integrity of democratic processes. The use of AI in elections raises legitimate concerns about the spread of disinformation, the creation of deepfakes, and the potential for manipulation of voters through targeted political messaging. 

As 2023 came to a close, over 450 organizations, including major AI players such as OpenAI and Anthropic, lobbied for the creation of comprehensive AI legislation. This marked a 185% increase from the previous year, underscoring a growing recognition of AI’s societal risks and the need for clear governance. The bipartisan push for AI oversight has seen momentum in Congress, but despite widespread agreement on the need for regulation, a major divide persists in the specifics of any potential laws. Democrats have largely advocated for AI policies that emphasize fairness, accountability, and the mitigation of bias. On the other hand, Republicans have focused on data privacy, national security, and the preservation of free speech. 

The tension between these two camps leaves the future of AI regulation in limbo, with each side pushing for a future vision that may ultimately be at odds with the other. 

The Trump administration’s approach to AI 

With President-elect Trump’s victory, the path forward for AI policy is set to take a sharp turn. Trump has already made it clear that one of his first priorities will be to rescind President Biden’s 2023 executive order on AI. This sweeping order sought to address the potential dangers of AI while encouraging innovation, particularly in the areas of civil rights, national security, and privacy. While Biden’s order emphasized the importance of safeguarding against discrimination and bias in AI systems, Trump’s platform has consistently favored deregulation, particularly when it comes to technology. His stance reflects a broader Republican philosophy that emphasizes the need for fewer constraints on innovation. 

The implications of rescinding Biden’s executive order are substantial. On one hand, it could speed up AI development by removing perceived regulatory obstacles. However, critics argue that dismantling Biden’s safeguards could leave vulnerable populations at risk of discrimination and exploitation by AI systems. Some fear that without federal protections, the power of tech giants could become unchecked, further exacerbating existing societal inequalities. 

National Security, China, and AI 

For Trump, national security remains a top priority, and this extends to the realm of AI. Trump has frequently cited China as the primary competitor in the race for AI supremacy. During his first term, his administration already imposed stringent controls on Chinese access to advanced technologies, and AI was no exception. This approach is likely to continue in his second term, with Trump doubling down on efforts to contain China’s technological rise, particularly when it comes to AI. Trump’s focus on AI as a national security issue reflects his broader “America First” policy, which prioritizes U.S. dominance in the global technological race. 

One of the most immediate consequences of this approach will likely be stronger restrictions on semiconductor exports, as well as increased scrutiny of AI research and development from foreign companies. Trump has also clarified his skepticism about international collaborations on AI, particularly with countries like China, whose growing technological prowess he sees as a direct challenge to American leadership. 

However, the race for AI dominance is not solely about military applications; it is also about economic power. The U.S. has long held an advantage in the global tech sector, but with countries like China and the European Union seeking to expand their AI capabilities, the competition is heating up. Trump’s administration is poised to prioritize AI investment in key industries, including defense, cybersecurity, and healthcare, while also seeking to bolster domestic chip production and data infrastructure. 

AI Ethics under Trump government 

As Trump moves forward with his deregulatory agenda, questions about the ethical implications of AI will loom large. The potential for AI to perpetuate bias, manipulate individuals, and exacerbate existing inequalities is already a pressing concern. Under Biden, the push for AI systems to be transparent, accountable, and fair was seen as critical to ensuring that these technologies benefit all of society. The Trump administration, however, may prioritize AI’s economic and security benefits, sidelining these ethical concerns. 

One area of significant debate is the role of AI in elections. As AI systems become more sophisticated, they have the potential to sway public opinion through micro-targeted advertisements, manipulate voters with deepfake videos, and spread misinformation at an unprecedented scale. Under Trump’s deregulatory approach, there is a real risk that these threats could go unchecked, leaving elections vulnerable to manipulation by bad actors. 

Will AI oversight be a priority? 

As the U.S. transitions into a new era of AI policy, several critical questions remain unanswered: 

1. How will Trump balance innovation with safety? While deregulation may fuel AI development, can Trump’s administration strike the right balance between fostering innovation and protecting citizens from potential harm, especially when it comes to AI’s societal risks? 

2. What role will ethics play in AI policy? Given Trump’s focus on national security and economic growth, will he overlook the ethical implications of AI systems, particularly the risk of exacerbating biases or eroding democratic values? 

3. Will AI regulation be used to suppress free speech or innovation? The Republican platform, under Trump’s influence, has emphasized free speech, but there is concern that lax regulation could open the door for AI tools to be used in ways that suppress political speech or distort public discourse. 

4. How will the global AI race affect U.S. policy? With China emerging as a major competitor in AI development, will the U.S. shift to a more aggressive posture, potentially compromising international cooperation on AI ethics and regulation? 

With Trump’s victory, the future of AI regulation in the United States is at a crossroads. While there is bipartisan agreement on the need for some form of oversight, the specifics remain deeply contentious. The balance between fostering innovation and protecting democratic values will be the central issue moving forward. Will Trump’s administration prioritize rapid technological growth, or will it take steps to mitigate the risks AI poses to elections and democracy? 

These questions are critical in determining the trajectory of AI in the coming years. The decisions made during Trump’s second term will shape the future of AI, both in the U.S. and around the world. As the pace of AI innovation accelerates, the need for thoughtful, balanced regulation becomes more urgent. The question is no longer whether AI will change the world, but how we will manage its rapid rise to ensure it serves the public good without undermining the core values of democracy. 

In brief 

The outcome of the 2024 election marks the beginning of a new chapter for AI in the U.S. As AI continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the coming years will be crucial in determining how the United States navigates the intersection of technology, democracy, and governance. With the stakes higher than ever, the need for clear, forward-thinking AI regulation has never been more urgent.