Colorado moves first on AI regulation

A new Colorado law regulating artificial intelligence “could open the floodgates to AI over-regulation across the nation,” or it simply represents “baseline accountability and transparency” for technology that makes critical decisions, including those involving patient care.

Those were two of the reactions to Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis’ decision to sign into law the first comprehensive state plan for regulating AI, with the first response coming from the R Street Institute, a think tank that supports a free market, and the second from the Consumers Union, which is pro-regulation.

For his part, Polis said he wants to prevent discrimination and protect consumers — the law’s intent — but he worries “about the impact this law may have on an industry that is fueling critical technological advancements.”

Polis said he hopes the legislature will finetune the law before it takes effect in 2026.