U.S. local governments implement AI regulations and privacy guidelines

Local governments in the United States are implementing various measures to manage the use of artificial intelligence. In Iowa, several municipalities, including Johnson, Black Hawk, Pottawattamie, Sioux, and Woodbury counties, are developing guidelines to protect sensitive data. Officials emphasize that AI tools learn from the information provided to them, meaning any data entered into these systems becomes part of the tool's permanent knowledge base. Consequently, employees may be required to document their use of AI and the specific parameters used to ensure accountability in the event of data incidents.

In Pennsylvania, the Allegheny County Council has introduced a bill aimed at regulating AI in political campaigns. The proposed ordinance would require candidates for county elected office to disclose the use of synthetic content—AI-generated or modified images, video, or audio—in campaign materials starting in January 2027. The goal is to prevent voters from being misled by realistic but fabricated content. The measure excludes AI-generated text and content that is clearly fictional, focusing instead on ensuring that any synthetic media that could affect a person's perception of authenticity is clearly labeled.