Mamdani says feds have abdicated on AI, urges New Yorkers to push back

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to challenge the idea that AI’s spread is unavoidable, arguing that public officials should hold technology companies accountable. Speaking at an AI Now Institute event, he said limited federal action leaves cities to respond to concerns about AI in schools, work and public life.

Mamdani cited his recent order banning AI use in elementary and middle schools and a proposed disclosure rule for AI-generated property listing images and videos. He criticised what he called the federal government’s abdication on AI, saying national debate often prioritises competition with China over human concerns. He also pointed to an Iranian school strike that killed more than 150 people, including at least 123 children; reporting cited in the article said AI targeting overreliance was one factor under investigation.