CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — The South Carolina Small Business Chamber is pushing for regulation of artificial intelligence as the state legislative session approaches, setting up a potential conflict with President Donald Trump’s executive order blocking state oversight of artificial intelligence.
Frank Knapp, president and CEO of the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce, said AI poses significant risks that require immediate national action.
“What we don’t want is for artificial intelligence to lead children to harm themselves, whether it’s sexual exploitation or even suicide,” Knapp said. “The same thing happens to adults seeking emotional counseling through AI chat boxes. This is a serious problem.”
Focus on health drives national action
Knapp said 47 states currently have proposed legislation to govern the use of AI in healthcare. The move comes amid growing concerns about the role of AI in mental health services.
Charleston resident Will Vandergrift said he supports regulations, especially those related to mental health.
“AI should not be used as a mental health provider at all. I don’t think so. I don’t think you can replace human expertise with something as nuanced as the human mind,” Vandergrift said.
Conflict between federal states is expected
President Trump has issued an executive order banning state regulation of AI, with the aim of maintaining America’s leadership in technology. Knapp said states cannot wait for federal action.
“We can’t wait for the future. Everything is happening now and it’s up to the state,” Knapp said. “Congress is not going to regulate the downside of AI.”
A legal battle is expected between the president and the states that passed AI regulations, testing the power of the executive order.
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