Expert Predictions on What’s at Stake in AI Policy in 2026

The emergence of real-world harms from artificial intelligence (AI) due to its evolution has shifted AI regulation from speculative to concrete.
Notable incidents include Meta allowing AI to have “sensual” conversations with children, and AI systems making incorrect identifications.
AI-generated synthetic media rose in prevalence, leading to several political controversies involving deepfakes, including a congressional candidate debating an AI avatar and Senate investigations into AI impersonation.
Congress passed the TAKE IT DOWN Act and several states enacted AI-specific laws, while Big Tech spent millions to oppose such regulations.
The Trump administration threatened legal action against states and issued an executive order to challenge state AI laws.
Market hype and speculative bubbles around AI’s economic and political impact raise questions about its future regulation.
Experts predict technological and policy developments in areas like economic impacts of AI, deepfakes, algorithmic discrimination, and the concentration of power among tech firms.