CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — As the South Carolina legislative session approaches, the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce is advocating for regulation of artificial intelligence (AI), potentially clashing with President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at preventing state oversight of AI technologies. Frank Knapp, president and CEO of the chamber, emphasized the urgent need for state-level action, citing serious risks associated with AI.
“What we don’t want is artificial intelligence grooming our children for sexual exploitation and for them to commit harm to themselves even suicide,” Knapp stated. He also expressed concern over adults seeking emotional guidance from AI chatbots, which he described as a significant issue.
The call for regulation comes amid growing worries about AI’s impact in various sectors, particularly healthcare. Knapp noted that 47 states are currently considering legislation to govern AI use within the healthcare domain. As these discussions unfold, the focus has intensified on AI’s role in mental health services, with many advocating for stringent oversight.
Charleston resident Will Vandergrift voiced his support for regulation, especially concerning mental health applications. “AI should not be used as a mental health provider at all. I don’t think you can replace a human’s expertise with something as nuanced as the human psyche,” Vandergrift remarked, highlighting the complexities involved in mental health care that AI may not adequately address.
The looming federal-state conflict further complicates the push for local oversight. Trump’s executive order prohibits states from enacting regulations on AI, aiming to ensure the United States maintains its leadership in the technology sector. However, Knapp argued that states cannot afford to defer action. “We just can’t wait for down the road. It’s all happening now and it’s up to the states,” he said, expressing skepticism about Congress taking timely action to mitigate the potential negatives of AI.
As various states move forward with their legislative agendas, a legal confrontation may arise between those states that implement AI regulations and the federal government, challenging the authority of the executive order. This potential conflict underscores the critical nature of the dialogue surrounding AI governance amid rapid technological advancement.
The debate over AI regulation in South Carolina mirrors a broader national conversation about the balance between innovation and safety. As the technology continues to evolve, stakeholders from different sectors are emphasizing the need for clear frameworks to address the ethical and practical implications of AI in everyday life. With pressure mounting for action at both state and federal levels, the future of AI regulation remains a pivotal issue that could shape the landscape of technology and public welfare in the United States.
In a rapidly changing technological environment, the outcomes of these legislative efforts could set significant precedents for how AI is integrated into society and regulated in the years to come.
See also
OpenAI’s Rogue AI Safeguards: Decoding the 2025 Safety Revolution
US AI Developments in 2025 Set Stage for 2026 Compliance Challenges and Strategies
Trump Drafts Executive Order to Block State AI Regulations, Centralizing Authority Under Federal Control
California Court Rules AI Misuse Heightens Lawyer’s Responsibilities in Noland Case
Policymakers Urged to Establish Comprehensive Regulations for AI in Mental Health
