New York State will require large-scale artificial intelligence companies to register with a state portal starting in November and report any critical safety incidents within 72 hours, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday. The move is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to regulate AI under the framework of the RAISE Act, a comprehensive legislative package designed to address the risks and safety concerns associated with AI technologies.
At a press conference in New York City, Governor Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James outlined the next steps in implementing the RAISE Act, which represents one of the most stringent approaches to AI regulation enacted at the state level in the United States. The legislation mandates oversight that includes mandatory registration for companies operating large-scale AI systems and swift reporting requirements for any incidents that could pose a threat to public safety.
“We’ll look closely at additional ways to build on the RAISE Act and strengthen our AI laws,” Hochul said, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance regulatory measures in response to the rapid growth and adoption of AI technologies.
The registration process is intended to create a comprehensive database of AI developers and operators, allowing state authorities to monitor developments and potential risks more closely. Critical safety incidents, as defined by the act, must be reported within three days to enable timely evaluation and mitigation.
Attorney General James emphasized the importance of state-level action in the absence of comprehensive federal AI regulations. The RAISE Act aims to hold companies accountable for the safety and ethical deployment of AI systems while protecting consumers and the general public from unintended harm.
While there has been widespread industry debate regarding the regulation of AI, New York’s approach is considered a pioneer in proactive governance. The new requirements are expected to affect major AI firms operating within the state and could influence other states considering similar regulatory frameworks.
Further details on the registration portal and the specific definitions of reportable incidents are expected to be released in the coming weeks as part of the state’s rollout plan. Officials also indicated that they are exploring additional legislative measures to address AI’s evolving challenges in areas such as transparency, bias, and accountability.
