“I’m encouraged that these bills’ advancement brings Connecticut one step closer to remaining a national leader in the fields of AI and consumer protection,” said State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford), Senate Chair of the General Law Committee. “Both bills are Senate Democrat priorities this year because they reflect the real-world changes we continue to see that will impact residents now and in the future. We’ve already seen instances of AI used to create “deep-fake” images meant to harm others, sow discord and spread information, making guidelines and requirements of its use a timely need. As we discuss this technology, there are thousands in our state still lacking Internet capabilities to even access it, not to mention consumer concerns ranging from junk fees to the ‘right to repair.’ I’m looking forward to introducing these bills on the Senate floor, the next step in making them law.”

Senate Bill 2, “An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence,” would establish requirements concerning the development and use of artificial intelligence systems, including but not limited to preventing “algorithmic discrimination,” where a computer model holds inherent treatment of a certain individual or group based on their personal information. It would go further to establish an AI advisory council in Connecticut, prohibit the dissemination of AI-created “deep fake” pornography and of election-related disinformation and develop guidelines and training programs where the technology’s positive benefits to workforces and industries could be best utilized by residents of the state in years to come.

Senate Bill 3, “An Act Concerning Consumer Protection,” would take steps including expanding access and availability of affordable broadband internet service, prohibit junk fees from consumer advertisements, prohibit the sale of Chinese and Russian-made drones to Connecticut state agencies and contractors, impose requirements on data collected by smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Home devices, require net neutrality and protect the consumer “right to repair,” among other changes.

Both pieces of legislation reflect our modern world and how regulations need to get ahead of technology before it runs rampant. AI has important functions and uses including in fields like health care, but has also been used to spread disinformation, perhaps most prominently this year in the dissemination of AI-created pornographic images featuring music superstar Taylor Swift. Similarly, as high-speed internet becomes a vital need in the modern day, thousands of Connecticut residents lack access to it; junk fees continue to roil consumers, popping up at inopportune times; and companies like Amazon have paid millions in fines for selling data collected by listening devices.