AG Confirms Existing State Laws Cover AI Use

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong issued a memorandum Feb. 25 explaining how existing state and federal laws apply to the development and use of artificial intelligence. 

The 11-page memorandum is intended to guide consumers, businesses, and government entities as AI technologies are increasingly used across the economy. 

The attorney general emphasizes that the use of AI does not exempt individuals or businesses from compliance with a multitude of existing laws. 

The memorandum outlines how several legal frameworks may apply to AI-driven activity, including Connecticut’s civil rights laws, privacy and data security statutes, consumer protection laws, and antitrust laws.

“The growing complexity of proposed additional AI regulations present a challenge for many small employers.”

CBIA’s Chris Davis

According to the memorandum, longstanding protections against discrimination, unfair or deceptive practices, and anticompetitive conduct also apply equally to decisions made or influenced by algorithms and artificial intelligence. 

The attorney general’s office notes that the memorandum is not binding or precedential, but it does provide an overview of potentially applicable legal principles as artificial intelligence continues to evolve. 

“As confirmed by the attorney general, Connecticut’s existing civil rights, consumer protection, privacy, and antitrust laws provide meaningful protections for both consumers and businesses when it comes to the use of artificial intelligence,” said CBIA vice president of public policy Chris Davis. 

“The growing complexity of proposed additional AI regulations layered on top of these existing laws present a challenge for many small employers that lack legal staff and financial resilience needed to manage proposed overlapping and complex regulations.” 

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 For more information, contact CBIA’s Chris Davis (860.244.1931).