During a Monday hearing, executives from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and Meta testified before the New York City Council, calling on lawmakers to draft legislation that protects the public from AI‑related harms.
Top tech executives gathered before the New York City Council on Monday, urging lawmakers to craft regulations that curb the growing risks of artificial intelligence. Representatives from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and Meta testified that current policies lag behind rapid AI advancements and called for safeguards to protect consumers and workers.
Key testimonies from AI leaders
OpenAI’s chief executive highlighted concerns about deepfake generation and the potential for large language models to spread misinformation, urging the council to consider licensing frameworks for high‑risk AI systems.
Anthropic’s co‑founder emphasized the need for transparency in model training data and advocated for an independent oversight body to audit AI deployments for bias and safety.
Google’s AI chief warned that without clear standards, competitive pressure could lead companies to prioritize speed over safety, recommending mandatory impact assessments before public release of new models.
Meta’s head of responsible AI stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable populations from targeted manipulation, proposing stricter consent requirements for AI‑driven advertising.
Council’s response and next steps
Councilmember Michele Richardson acknowledged the testimonies, noting that the city aims to become a national model for AI governance. She announced the formation of a bipartisan working group to draft legislation within the next six months.
- Establish a city‑wide AI safety task force
- Require AI companies to submit risk‑assessment reports
- Create a public registry of high‑risk AI deployments
- Mandate regular audits by an independent ethics board
Broader implications for U.S. policy
The hearing reflects growing pressure on federal regulators to act, as state and local initiatives signal a patchwork of rules that could affect national AI strategy. Industry leaders agreed that coordinated federal standards would help avoid fragmented compliance burdens.
"We need clear, enforceable rules that protect people without stifling innovation," said OpenAI’s CEO during the session.
The council plans to hold follow‑up hearings with consumer groups and civil‑rights organizations to ensure diverse perspectives are incorporated into the final bill.