Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta Unite in Washington
Tech Giants Lobbying for Federal Control
Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta have jointly proposed a 10-year federal moratorium on individual US states enacting their own artificial intelligence (AI) regulations. The companies argue that a patchwork of state laws would hamper innovation and global competitiveness in AI.
Concerns About Fragmentation
Industry leaders say state-by-state rules could create confusion, increase compliance costs, and stifle research. They propose that AI policy should be shaped at the federal level, ensuring consistency and flexibility as the technology evolves.
A Race for Influence
This lobbying effort comes amid heightened global focus on AI governance. The European Union and China have moved forward with national-level AI laws, while the US remains fragmented. The tech giants are urging lawmakers to adopt a centralized framework that supports long-term research and commercial deployment.
Critics Raise Alarm
Privacy advocates and civil society groups warn that a moratorium could delay necessary safeguards. They argue that states have historically played a critical role in pioneering consumer protections and regulating emerging technologies when federal responses lag.
Debate Intensifies in Washington
The proposal has sparked a sharp policy debate. Supporters see it as a way to protect innovation; opponents fear regulatory capture and unchecked corporate power. Lawmakers are weighing whether to prioritize economic growth or impose stronger oversight now.