Maryland Gov. Wes Moore addressed the Maryland Innovation Summit in Baltimore, emphasizing the importance of responsible artificial intelligence regulation to balance innovation with public safety and worker protections.
“This is innovation. This is progress,” Moore said, underscoring that AI is not a passing trend but a significant part of Maryland’s future.
Moore highlighted AI’s potential to drive economic growth and advancements in health and education.
“AI is going to be able to grow our economy in breakthroughs in health and breakthroughs in education. That AI is going to help improve the way that our state not just sees its people, but the way that it serves its people,” he said.
While optimistic about AI’s benefits, Moore acknowledged concerns from workers about its impact. “We also have to be honest about the fact that many people are still very concerned,” he said.
He described the current era as a new technological revolution, raising questions about the role of humans in an AI-driven world.
“This one’s asking, what’s the role of humans? That’s a different question. So we have to ensure that as we are moving, we’re moving smartly,” Moore said.
Moore announced he is leading a bipartisan council of state governors focused on secure and responsible AI, which will recommend a new federal framework for AI regulation.
“My fear is that the absence of those guardrails is being driven by one word: greed,” he said.
The governor proposed measures such as audits and safety testing requirements for AI companies, restrictions on AI’s use of human likenesses, and protections for children interacting with chatbots.
“We will protect our people,” Moore said. “We will center our workers. We will keep our kids safe.”
Moore also addressed concerns about AI replacing jobs, noting that only 4% of Maryland businesses expect AI to reduce their workforce.
He highlighted programs aimed at helping workers transition into an AI-driven economy.
READ MORE:Wes Moore calls for AI regulation at Baltimore summit
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