New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in an interview published today that artificial intelligence should be 'less evil.' The remark came during a wide-ranging conversation with The Verge, which noted that the episode moves fast because it is an election year with a shocking amount of tech policy at stake.
Hochul has taken strong positions on almost every major tech issue, according to the publication. The interview touched on topics including data centers, a ban on 3D-printed guns, and flock cameras, though details of her positions were not provided in the excerpt.
The Verge also mentioned that Meta just reached an unspecified milestone, but the excerpt does not elaborate on what that milestone was or how it relates to Hochul's views.
A fast-moving election-year interview
The interview's pace reflects the urgency of tech policy in an election year. Hochul's comments on AI come as states grapple with how to regulate the technology. Her characterization of AI as needing to be 'less evil' suggests a critical stance, though the source does not detail specific policy proposals.
Strong positions across the tech spectrum
Beyond AI, Hochul addressed data centers, 3D-printed guns, and flock cameras. The excerpt does not specify her positions on these issues, but the breadth of topics indicates a comprehensive engagement with tech policy. The mention of Meta reaching a milestone hints at ongoing developments in the tech industry, though the source leaves the details unclear.
What happens next
The full interview is available from The Verge, but the excerpt does not reveal what specific actions Hochul might take on AI or other tech issues. As an election year continues, her statements could signal policy directions for New York. The open question is whether her 'less evil' framing will translate into concrete regulatory proposals, and when those might emerge.
