Key facts
- Senator Josh Hawley is advocating for regulations on artificial intelligence based on moral and worker-centric principles.
- Hawley's stance contrasts with pro-AI positions often held by tech industry leaders.
- A survey suggests Hawley's framing on AI's impact on workers and ideals resonates with Republican voters.
- The debate over AI's future is framed by some as a moral and societal challenge, not just a technological one.
Senator Josh Hawley is emerging as a leading voice within the Republican party advocating for stringent regulation of artificial intelligence, framing the issue as a moral and societal battleground.
Following Pope Leo XIV's pro-worker encyclical, Hawley, an evangelical Christian, has called for his party to embrace "pro-human" regulations and unite against what he describes as the "excesses of godless technology." He warned that the debate over AI would test the "great moral covenant that binds us together as a nation," distinguishing between "the laws of God" and "the gods of capitalism."
Ryan Neuhaus, co-founder of the conservative online magazine American Intelligence, suggested Hawley's perspective offers a unique approach that could unite various factions within the AI debate. He noted that Hawley's framing acknowledges the dual nature of AI as a tool that can be used for good or ill, depending on human wisdom.
However, this stance has drawn criticism from some within the tech industry. One AI industry lobbyist, speaking anonymously, expressed doubt about the effectiveness of Hawley's message, suggesting it appeals to an "insulated group" and may not sway broader public opinion. The lobbyist conceded that while AI poses dangers, many fears might dissipate as people recognize the potential benefits of these tools.
Despite industry skepticism, Hawley's framing appears to be resonating with Republican voters. A survey by the Institute for Family Studies found that messages emphasizing AI's potential harm to the "working man, his liberty and his worth" and its role in "undermining our most cherished ideals" were most persuasive. Statements from AI proponents like Sacks, Altman, and Marc Andreessen scored lower.
Abigail Ball, executive director at American Compass, the think tank that hosted Hawley, stressed the importance of religious and moral leaders engaging in the conversation about AI adoption and its implications for individuals, families, communities, and the republic.