What are 'right-to-compute' laws?

'Right-to-compute' laws are statutes being passed in some US states that could limit government regulation on AI and computing technologies, with Montana being the first to enact such a law.

Which states are considering 'right-to-compute' laws?

Following Montana's lead, states like New Hampshire, Ohio, and South Dakota are considering similar 'right-to-compute' bills.

Why is the timing significant for 'right-to-compute' laws?

These laws are emerging as major corporations are investing billions in new data centers and AI infrastructure across the United States.

Home / Technology / States Quietly Pass Laws Favoring Big Tech's Computing Power

States Quietly Pass Laws Favoring Big Tech's Computing Power

2 Feb

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Summary

Montana enacted the first 'right-to-compute' law, potentially limiting AI regulation.
Similar bills are advancing in New Hampshire, Ohio, and South Dakota.
These laws emerge as major corporations invest heavily in new data centers.

States Quietly Pass Laws Favoring Big Tech's Computing Power

States are increasingly adopting 'right-to-compute' laws, legislation that could impede government regulation of AI and computing technologies. Montana was the first to pass such a statute in April, defining 'computational resources' broadly. Similar bills are now being considered in New Hampshire, Ohio, and South Dakota, despite one failing in Idaho.

These laws are emerging as major corporations like Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon escalate investments in massive new data centers nationwide. Meta, for instance, has actively lobbied state governments for data center projects. However, these developments face controversy, with community pushback cited in Wisconsin and Indiana over environmental concerns and energy costs.