Latest AI (Artificial Intelligence) News
Trump's Executive Order Targets State AI Laws for Federal Preemption
President Trump's December 2025 Executive Order aims for US global AI dominance by directing the Commerce Department to evaluate state AI laws like Colorado's AI Act by March 11, 2026, potentially preempting them. It also conditions $21 billion in BEAD funds on states avoiding 'onerous' AI regulations and tasks the FTC with a policy on AI under Section 5.
DOJ's AI Litigation Task Force, formed January 2026, will challenge state laws in federal court.
DOJ Establishes AI Litigation Task Force to Challenge State Regulations
Attorney General Pam Bondi launched the DOJ's AI Litigation Task Force on January 9, 2026, to contest state AI laws conflicting with federal policy. This follows Trump's EO emphasizing minimal burdens for AI development.
The task force targets laws on algorithmic discrimination, deepfakes, and more across states like California and New York.
OpenAI Commits to Stronger Safeguards After B.C. Mass Shooting Involvement
Canada's AI Minister Evan Solomon met OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, securing promises for new safety systems to flag high-risk users retroactively, including the Tumbler Ridge shooter banned in June 2025. OpenAI will review past cases, involve Canadian experts on privacy and law enforcement, and face review by the Canadian AI Safety Institute.
The February 10 shooting killed eight, prompting an inquest into AI's role.
Trump Secures AI Firms' Pledge for Self-Generated Power at Data Centers
President Trump hosted Google, Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, xAI, OpenAI, and Amazon, who pledged to build or buy power sources for data centers to keep electricity costs low amid AI-driven demand tripling by 2035. Firms will cover infrastructure upgrades, sell excess power, and hire locally.
This addresses public backlash over rising bills, up 6.3% yearly.
Anthropic Bolsters Reputation by Refusing Pentagon Military AI Contract
Anthropic's moral stance against US military use of its AI has been highlighted amid Pentagon disputes, enhancing its standing in ethical AI discussions. The decision underscores growing tensions over AI in defense applications.
Reported in Business Matters on March 4, 2026.
Capital Power CEO Eyes Alberta for Major AI Data Centre Expansion
Capital Power's CEO expressed excitement over opportunities to develop AI data centers in Alberta, capitalizing on regional energy resources. The move aligns with surging demand for AI infrastructure.
Announced March 4, 2026.
Investor McMahon Calls 2026 'The Year' for Microsoft in AI Boom
Schwab Network's Chris McMahon predicts strong returns for Microsoft (MSFT) in AI, alongside energy plays like Siemens Energy (SMERY) for powering data centers. He emphasizes AI infrastructure buildout in energy, rare earths, and copper.
Broadcast on March 5, 2026.
FTC to Issue Policy on State AI Laws Potentially Deemed 'Deceptive'
By March 11, 2026, the FTC must release a statement under Trump's EO explaining when state AI bias mitigation laws are preempted by federal unfair/deceptive practices rules. Critics call the theory untested, targeting output alterations.
Aims to uniform national AI policy.
Trump Elevates Coal, Cancels Wind to Fuel AI Energy Surge
Trump pushes coal power and cancels wind projects to meet AI's tripling energy demand by 2035, amid slowing power plant construction. This counters data center backlash in states like Georgia over costs and pollution.
Part of broader economic strategy.
B.C. Coroner Launches Inquest into AI's Role in Tumbler Ridge Massacre
Following OpenAI's pre-shooting ban of shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar, B.C.'s chief coroner announced an inquest examining AI's involvement in the February 10 killings of eight. Hopes for OpenAI cooperation amid calls for inquiry.
Ties into federal AI safety push.
Commerce Dept Lists State AI Laws for Potential Federal Override
Trump's EO specifically names Colorado's AI Act but eyes broader laws like California's SB 53 and AB 2013, New York's RAISE Act on deepfakes and employment AI. Scope will signal enforcement aggressiveness.
Due March 11, 2026.
AI Safety Standards to Flag High-Risk Offenders in Canada
OpenAI agrees to develop systems identifying policy violators and high-risk cases, applying new protocols retroactively post-Tumbler Ridge. Includes mental health and law enforcement input.
Minister Solomon demands stronger accountability.