Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker calls for stronger AI and privacy rules

In short: Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said AI needs stronger rules, and he wants Congress to do more on privacy and oversight.

What happened

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker spoke with The Verge on the Decoder podcast about artificial intelligence, privacy, and the rapid growth of data centers, which are large buildings full of computers.

Pritzker said AI could bring real benefits, including faster medical breakthroughs. He also warned that AI could create serious risks, including job losses and new ways for people to be tracked. He compared the long term danger to nuclear weapons, meaning something powerful that needs careful control.

On privacy, he said states like Illinois are trying to set limits, but state by state rules are not enough. He pointed to Illinois laws like the Biometric Information Privacy Act, which covers things like face scans and fingerprints, and said privacy rules may need updates every year as technology changes.

Pritzker also discussed public pushback on data centers. He said many people connect data centers with AI, but the immediate concern is often electricity use and rising power bills. He said Illinois, like other states, still competes for large projects, and companies can shop around for better deals.

Why it matters

AI is showing up in everyday life, from customer service to cameras that can track cars. Pritzker’s message is that rules and enforcement need to keep pace, like updating traffic laws when cars get faster. He also argued that leaving safety up to companies to police themselves will not protect people’s privacy.

Source: The Verge AI