Louisiana lawmakers face the unenviable task of sorting through the myriad applications of artificial intelligence in nearly every facet of our everyday lives. Just consider the topics addressed by the bills addressing A.I. They include everything from workplace standards to criminal law, and from healthcare to consumer protections to name but a few.
As the Gulf States Newsroom reports, the stakes couldn’t be much higher, or potentially costlier. That’s largely because, as some have cautioned, roughly $800 million in federal broadband funding could be at risk if the laws are considered too restrictive regarding A.I. regulations.
The Federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program helps deliver high-speed internet service to rural communities across Louisiana – seen as a the critical lifeline for future economic development, by bridging the rural broadband divide for millions of Americans. Yet providing unparalleled access to financial markets, educational opportunities, and the like, also comes with more exposure to risk.
That is why regulation supporters fear an over-emphasis on economic development can overshadow potential online threats, like unwanted AI-generated political content, misuse of chatbots with children, and online exploitation.
Critics, however, counter that a patchwork of state laws could create costly compliance issues which may threaten federal funding tied to broadband expansion. More than twenty AI-related bills have been filed this legislative session. The final outcome could reshape Louisiana’s technology policy — and its broadband future.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, and a graduate of the University of Washington, Jeff began his on-air broadcasting career 35 years ago in the Black Hills of South Dakota as a general assignment reporter.
Drew Hawkins is the health equity reporter for the Gulf States Newsroom, a collaboration among public radio stations in Louisiana (WWNO and WRKF), Alabama (WBHM) and Mississippi (MPB-Mississippi Public Broadcasting) and NPR.