Preemption Authority: FTC’s Approach to AI More Bark than Bite
Plus the DSA, online safety, and more…
FTC: In Tech Policy Press, Andy describes why the FTC’s ability to preempt state AI laws is limited, requiring a lengthy, complex rulemaking process rather than merely issuing a policy statement. He explores the topic further on the Young Voices Podcast (starting at 19:59). Andy is a Young Voices Tech and Innovation Fellow, covering issues at the intersection of innovation and regulation.
DSA: In Tech Policy Press Berin argues that the EU’s fine against X doesn’t reflect a speech or censorship judgment under the DSA, noting that such claims about threats to free speech stem mostly from broader political narratives rather than the legal rationale.
Free Speech: At this year’s State of the Net Conference, Corbin appeared on a panel about “the new frontiers of speech.” He addressed the panic over AI-generated speech, the value and the nuances of algorithms, why code is protected by the First Amendment, and more. Video here, at “Breakout 3,” starting at 1:50:50.
AI & Jobs: On a new Tech Policy Podcast, Corbin and Brent Orrell (AEI) explore and debate how AI will disrupt the job market. They also ask: What does meaningful work look like in a world of genius machines?
Online Safety: In The Atlantic (paywall), Corbin, commenting on the start of a major social-media “addiction” trial, says it’s “crazy” to settle complex and ambiguous scientific questions by “having lawyers get up and give speech contests in front of a jury.”
Debt Woes: Corbin’s Law & Liberty essay on the United States’ intractable debt problem was syndicated by the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) and (for a second time) by RealClearMarkets.
Upcoming Appearances: Our experts are scheduled to speak at the following events this year:
Wed Feb 18: WLF – The U.S. Supreme Court’s October Term 2025 at Midpoint (Virtual, Corbin)
Sat Mar 14: Federalist Society – 2026 National Student Symposium (Phoenix, AZ, Bilal)
