Utah Attorney General Derek Brown has announced a new statewide initiative aimed at reducing risks tied to artificial intelligence. The effort brings together state leaders, technologists, and major AI developers to study emerging threats and build safeguards before harmful uses of the technology spread.
A Bipartisan Collaboration With AI Industry Leaders
Brown is partnering with North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson, along with experts from OpenAI and Microsoft, to form what he calls a “groundbreaking bipartisan AI Task Force.” The group’s goal is to help protect residents from manipulation, exploitation, and other risks posed by rapidly evolving AI tools.
“Freedom means being free from manipulation or exploitation by powerful technologies,” Brown said. “This task force is committed to defending our freedoms and our privacy while also building a safer digital world for our families.”
Task Force Priorities
The new AI Task Force will focus on three major areas:
- Identifying emerging AI risks by working with law enforcement, industry experts, and community stakeholders.
- Developing baseline safeguards for AI developers to follow.
- Creating a standing national forum to track AI developments and help states coordinate quick, informed responses.
Jackson emphasized the urgency, noting that Congress has yet to enact basic AI protections.
“AI is moving fast, and so are the risks,” he said. “We can’t wait. Taking thoughtful steps now will help prevent harm as this technology becomes more powerful and more present in our daily lives.”
Earlier Efforts to Address AI Threats
Brown and Jackson have worked together previously on AI-related issues. Earlier this year, they joined other attorneys general to remove federal budget language that would have put a 10-year freeze on enforcing AI-related laws. They also urged major search engines and payment platforms to strengthen their efforts against deepfake pornography and other exploitative content.
Industry Partners Voice Support
Jason Kwon, chief strategy officer for OpenAI, welcomed the collaboration.
“We’re grateful to be working with state attorneys general across the country,” Kwon said. “AI can make a real difference in people’s lives, and we know we have to get this right. State attorneys general play a key role in making sure this technology earns people’s trust.”
