New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani called on October 5 for artificial intelligence to be regulated at every level of government. The most urgent response was needed nationally, he said at a press conference mainly about child care.
During questions afterward, Mamdani addressed the City Council’s AI hearing taking place that day. He said it was right for the Council to consider the subject and that city government also needed to act. AI was not a problem confined to New York.
Asked about the Council’s proposed safeguards, including a human shutdown function, Mamdani said he first looked forward to reviewing all the legislation. He did not endorse a particular bill in that answer. His statement separates a general call for regulation from a decision on the specific proposals.
Mamdani also objected to framing AI solely as a technological arms race with China, pointing to effects on work and everyday life. The original recording documents the mayor’s own political position as consideration of the city proposals continues.