Lawmakers are often the ones pushing for more regulation of big businesses. It’s not often that big businesses ask the government for more regulation.
But that’s the case with some of America’s largest artificial intelligence companies. Tech CEOs such as OpenAI’s Sam Altman and xAI’s Elon Musk requested lawmakers to set guardrails for artificial intelligence.
“In my entire time of public service, I’ve never had an industry or a CEO ask for regulation and oversight,” says Rahm Emanuel, former chief of staff under President Barack Obama.
President Donald Trump opposes AI regulation. He calls AI-limiting efforts a “conspiracy.” Congress remains divided on the issue, though many lawmakers side with the president. Some politicians suggest requiring AI companies to install a “kill switch” to turn off their models in emergencies. But even if lawmakers passed such rules, they would need President Trump’s approval.
Why do AI companies want more oversight? Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei says the technology is growing too fast. He is concerned that swarms of AI bots could take over the internet. He wants lawmakers to slow the progress of AI so that regulations can catch up.
Other companies note concerning behavior from their AI models. One OpenAI model escaped its test environment, accessed the internet, and hacked another company.
What makes regulation hard? The United States has found itself in an “AI race” with China. Both superpowers want to be the first to master this new technology. Any slowdown might create a chance for the other nation to pull ahead. But some lawmakers, such as Republican Senator John Thune of South Dakota, believe the government can create AI guardrails without losing the race.
Another complication: It’s a midterm election year in the United States. Republicans traditionally stand against government regulation of private businesses. Democrats often push for greater regulation. With votes on the line, neither side wants to compromise.
One might wonder—if tech companies worry so much about the growth of AI, why don’t they just stop themselves? Some suggest that AI creators feel trapped in a race of their own.
“Many of the people I know who work on safety research at AI companies want to do what is right for the world,” writes former Anthropic employee Joe Benton. “But they feel their companies are trapped in a race to build superintelligence: either they stop and other, less conscientious people take their place; or, they continue, and risk participating in enormous harm themselves.”
With billions of dollars on the line and concerns that other groups will jump in, no company wants to step away from the race.
Governments, lawmakers, and businesses appear stuck on a course they are concerned will lead to danger. Individuals often feel a similar tension. Even when it’s easy to see the right thing to do, it’s harder to actually do it. On our own, we can’t overcome temptation. But God conquered sin. His Spirit gives us the power to follow Him. We can pray that God would give His wisdom to the decisionmakers behind AI technology, and as consumers, we can also choose to use AI with caution and discretion.
For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. — Romans 7:15
