On October 15, 2024, Bartlett D. Cleland, General Counsel and Director of Strategic Initiatives at NetChoice, testified before the Legislative Council Study Committee on the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence in Wisconsin. Wisconsin’s approach of addressing gaps in existing laws, rather than imposing heavy restrictions, should serve as a model for other states. Find information on the hearing here.
In his testimony, Cleland advocated for a balanced approach to regulating artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing the transformative potential of AI across various domains, including healthcare, education, and creative industries. He warned lawmakers against the risks of overregulation, urging them to avoid broad, sweeping laws that could stifle innovation and infringe on free speech. Cleland explained that AI is already governed by numerous existing laws, such as those in healthcare, finance, and education, making additional broad regulations unnecessary. Cleland noted that AI should be treated as a tool, with its use regulated by specific outcomes rather than the technology itself, like clearly targeted laws to close loopholes of deepfake technology. He urged policymakers to focus on transparency, accountability, and security in AI development to ensure that America remains a global leader in technology.
Read Cleland’s testimony below.