Driving the Day

Today is May 20, 2025, and here are the key policymaker and stakeholder actions on AI you need to know: In Washington, President Donald Trump signed the Take It Down Act, which criminalizes the distribution of nonconsensual intimate deepfakes. Reason published an article suggesting that even after state lawmakers in Texas amended a controversial AI bill, the legislature has more work to do by “tightening the bill's scope and guarding against bureaucratic bloat.” Across the pond, the U.K.’s defense secretary stated the military will increase its use of AI. Lastly, OpenAI’s Sam Altman called detractors of Trump’s Middle East AI deals “naive.”

In this issue:

• Washington in Focus: Democrats suggested Trump’s Middle East chips deals imperil U.S. national security.

• Around the Nation: A bill proposed in Massachusetts would codify cybersecurity and  AI readiness.

• Across the Pond: The Wall Street Journal suggested a risk-averse business culture and complex regulations are stifling tech innovation in Europe.

• Global Highlights: DW explained why Japan's animation industry has embraced AI.

• Outside Views: A study found AI is more persuasive than a human in a debate.

Read these stories and more below: