Earlier this year, a significant development took place: the Senate overwhelmingly voted 99-1 to reject a federal ban on state AI laws. This was a crucial victory for states striving to protect their residents—especially families and children—from the potential harms of AI. However, Big Tech hasn't conceded. They are leveraging their influence to push for actions that would undermine state autonomy, whether through executive action or future Congressional legislation.

The statistics paint a stark picture: three out of four teens are using AI chatbots, and there have been alarming incidents where children have suffered due to reliance on these platforms for guidance and support. These developments are deeply personal for many of us because the safety and well-being of our children are at stake. States like New York, Illinois, Tennessee, and Utah are leading the charge by implementing AI safety measures to safeguard their citizens. Yet, a federal preemption threatens to nullify these efforts, potentially stripping states of their critical power to act.

Moreover, the demand for state intervention is evident. A significant 70% of Americans, from various political backgrounds, believe states should have the capability to protect our children from AI risks. We've learned from the unregulated boom of social media what lack of oversight can cause—unsafe environments for children, unchecked data harvesting, and corporate impunity.

This isn't just a local issue—it's a nationwide concern that resonates with parents and guardians everywhere. We cannot afford to replicate past mistakes by neglecting the potential dangers of unchecked AI technologies in our communities.

Join us in urging the leaders in Washington DC to stand firm and oppose any federal measures that would undermine state power to enforce AI safety laws. It's imperative that we act now to ensure that states continue to have the authority and tools needed to protect their citizens.

Please sign the petition to send a resounding message: the safety and future of our children depend on maintaining and respecting the power of state-level protections against AI harms.

Reference (Send Letter Here): https://act.parentstogetheraction.org/letters/stop-congress-and-the-white-house-from-blocking-ai-safety-protections/Act Sponsors: ParentsTogether, Design it For Us, DC, Heat Initiative Washington, DC