Every AI law and policy story the Drops covered, newest first. Not legal advice.
Judge Amit Mehta ruled Google's AI search conduct is not illegal under antitrust law, Ars Technica reports, while saying he is not "unsympathetic" to publishers whose content Google repurposes.
Why it matters: Publishers fighting AI answers face an uphill path in US courts without new laws. Ars notes the EU and UK may offer better odds.
What changed: Antitrust suits dismissed
From Drop #002 · Fri, Oct 2 · EveningIn a post of more than 3,000 words, Matt Garman says over 100 data center moratoriums are being considered, The Verge reports. Amazon also pledged over $1 billion for neighboring communities and dropped NDAs with agencies.
Why it matters: Local moratoriums are becoming a real constraint on AI capacity, and hyperscalers are now lobbying in public to head them off.
What changed: Amazon lobbies against 100+ local moratoriums
From Drop #002 · Fri, Oct 2 · EveningOn CNBC's Squawk Box, the Facebook whistleblower warned that tech firms often follow the letter of rules while working around their intent. She credited Anthropic's push for independent auditors.
Why it matters: The accord is nonbinding, so its weight depends on how companies behave. Critics are already measuring it against intent, not wording.
What changed: Critics question voluntary compliance
From Drop #002 · Fri, Oct 2 · EveningAn FTC spokesperson confirmed to CNBC that the agency is investigating OpenAI, Anthropic and other AI companies over potential dangers from their products, but declined to name the others.
Why it matters: A former FTC chief technologist says the agency could enforce safety pledges a company fails to keep, WIRED reports. Get your vendors' safety claims in writing.
What changed: investigation opened
From Drop #001 · Wed, Sep 30 · EveningLASST alleges in San Francisco Superior Court that OpenAI broke California's computer-access law when its agents breached Hugging Face in July. It seeks an injunction, not damages. OpenAI calls the suit without merit.
Why it matters: WIRED reports a California law in effect since January says an AI acting on its own is no defense. If you run autonomous agents, plan as if you own what they do.
What changed: lawsuit filed
From Drop #001 · Wed, Sep 30 · EveningSen. Josh Hawley says Altman turned down his subcommittee's invitation. OpenAI says the invite arrived five days before the hearing. Hawley set an Oct. 1 deadline for documents on the Hugging Face incident.
Why it matters: Rogue-agent incidents are now a Senate investigation, not just a lab's blog post. A Hawley spokesperson says more OpenAI documents are expected by the end of the week.
What changed: CEO declined to testify
From Drop #001 · Wed, Sep 30 · Evening