California Takes the Lead in AI Regulation

In 2025, California made big moves in the world of AI. It became the main regulator of AI by passing over 30 laws related to AI. This is because many big AI companies are based there or do business there. These laws cover a lot of ground. They criminalize deepfake "undressing" images. They also protect people's likeness after they die. Plus, they require government transparency about AI use. And they mandate hard-to-remove watermarks. These watermarks help people tell when content is AI-generated. But it's not all smooth sailing. Trump's executive order tries to block AI regulations. X. Eyee sees this as an attack on states' rights. It's also a gift to tech companies. These companies want to avoid accountability. Self-regulation is a myth for profit-driven corporations. New laws protect people from AI chatbots. These chatbots encourage self-harm. Other laws close loopholes around political deepfakes during elections. They also make it easier to sue when AI systems discriminate. This discrimination can happen in hiring, pricing, or housing.Data is the new oil. AI cannot function without organic human data. Companies are quietly harvesting our voices, texts, images, and documents. They do this through terms of service. Often, they do it without real consent or payment. X. Eyee breaks down the difference between data sets and data centers. Data centers affect energy, water, and frontline communities. For example, a Memphis facility uses methane. This methane is poisoning a nearby Black neighborhood. Much of the current environmental strain is temporary. Future quantum computers will drastically shrink the hardware needed to run AI. By 2026, AI-generated images and video will be visually indistinguishable from reality. Local personal AI will also become common. X. Eyee argues that 2026 will be a decisive year. Communities must step in with local ordinances and organizing. They need to shape how AI is used in schools, workplaces, and everyday life. If people do not act, AI will be used to automate and hard code discrimination. It will roll back hard-won gains, especially for already targeted communities. Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94. 1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday). It is a community radio station without corporate underwriting. The show is hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.