The Illinois governor described AI as a technology that will drive medical innovation and as dangerous enough to be compared to nuclear weapons. He urged active government intervention, saying self-regulation by AI companies alone would make it difficult to resolve personal data protection and safety issues.

On Oct. 19 local time, IT outlet The Verge reported that Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (JB Pritzker) said in a recent interview that AI is having a growing impact on the job market, personal data and energy infrastructure. He stressed the need for federal-level regulation.

Pritzker also warned of the possibility of mass unemployment as AI spreads. He said the unemployment rate of 4 percent, currently regarded as near full employment, could rise to 7 to 10 percent in a short period. He argued that the income and the dignity of labor of those who lose jobs due to technological advances must be protected.

Illinois has responded by forming an AI cabinet involving government agencies and outside experts. Researchers from the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois, state police and emergency management agencies are participating to jointly review administrative efficiency, personal data protection and safety issues.

Pritzker pointed out that a system in which major technology companies set rules for themselves cannot put in place sufficient safety safeguards. He stressed that because state-by-state regulation has limits, the U.S. Congress should establish common standards.

On residents' opposition surrounding data centers, he said the issue should be approached separately from AI regulation. He said the core problem is not the facilities themselves but surging power demand and the burden of electricity bills.

Pritzker said that although about 53 to 54 percent of Illinois electricity is generated from nuclear power and the state is a net exporter of electricity, construction of mega data centers in other states could affect local electricity bills.

He also acknowledged AI's positive potential. He expressed expectations that future generations could live to 100 or 110 as medical technology advances. Still, he compared AI's potential risks to nuclear weapons and stressed that the government, technologists and ethicists must work together to develop ways to control it.