Maryland Sets Rules for AI in Schools, Work, and Data
Governor Wes Moore details a new state framework to regulate AI's impact on workers, children, and personal privacy.
Key points
- Maryland’s new guidelines establish a committee to support workers affected by AI automation.
- The state plans to regulate social media algorithms to protect users under sixteen from addictive design.
- Personal likenesses will be treated as property rights to prevent unauthorized AI use of images and voices.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has released a set of guidelines designed to protect residents from the potential risks of artificial intelligence. The plan focuses on three core areas: safeguarding civil rights and infrastructure, supporting workers facing job changes, and preventing harm to children.
According to a statement reviewed by CBS News, the administration believes the state must act independently rather than waiting for federal legislation. The goal is to create a regulatory environment that allows the benefits of AI to be realized while strictly limiting its negative effects on daily life.
Protecting workers and personal data
The guidelines propose establishing a standing committee to study how AI affects state employees. This body will coordinate with unions and state agencies to ensure workers have a voice in how their roles evolve. It also aims to provide training and transition support for those whose jobs are automated.
The plan includes legislative recommendations to treat personal likenesses as property rights. This move seeks to prevent companies from using an individual's image or voice without consent. Additionally, the state intends to issue guidance on how AI should be used in housing, lending, and employment decisions to reduce bias.
Safeguarding children from algorithmic harm
A significant portion of the strategy targets the impact of social media on minors. State officials plan to work with the Attorney General and other states to ensure platforms do not use algorithmic design to drive addictive engagement among users under sixteen. This addresses concerns about mental health and exploitation online.
In schools, the Department of Education will implement strict protocols for any AI tool students interact with. These measures are intended to protect young people from exploitation and ensure that educational technology does not compromise their privacy or safety.
Building on existing state laws
These new policies expand on the Artificial Intelligence Governance Act passed in 2024. They also build upon the state’s existing Responsible AI Policy and previous executive orders. By layering these regulations, Maryland aims to create a comprehensive legal framework for emerging technologies.
The administration argues that rapid technological change requires immediate state-level guardrails. By defining clear boundaries for AI companies and institutions, Maryland seeks to balance innovation with the protection of democratic values and individual dignity.
