Massachusetts senator advocates for state-level AI regulation amid federal inaction

BOSTON — Massachusetts state Sen. Barry Finegold emphasized that while AI regulation should be a federal priority, states must step in to implement safeguards while supporting innovation, as there is currently no formal federal framework for AI safeguards. Finegold stated that states like Massachusetts are stepping forward in the absence of federal legislation, continuing to push for regulatory measures until a federal law is established. During a Sept. 29 event sponsored by Anthropic, Finegold spoke alongside Bain Capital Ventures partner Ajay Agarwal and Recorded Future CEO Colin Mahony. Agarwal highlighted Boston's leadership in biotech and life sciences but noted the need to compete with Silicon Valley's growing robotics industry. Anthropic's Brian Peters also endorsed the Massachusetts Senate's proposed AI regulations during a View From the Top conversation.