New York Governor Kathy Hochul is urging the tech industry to make artificial intelligence 'less evil'—a stark call to action as AI systems become more deeply integrated into daily life. In a wide-ranging interview, Hochul addressed AI's dual-edged nature, alongside topics like 3D-printed guns, data center backlash, and the urgent question of who protects kids online.
AI: From Promise to Peril
Hochul acknowledged AI's transformative potential in fields like healthcare, education, and climate science, but she warned that without robust safeguards, these same tools could amplify bias, spread misinformation, and invade privacy. By late 2026, AI has evolved rapidly—from generative models that craft hyper-realistic content to autonomous agents making decisions in finance and logistics—making Hochul's 'less evil' framing a timely provocation. She emphasized that New York, as a global tech hub, has a responsibility to lead in setting ethical standards.
Data Centers: Powering Progress, Fueling Backlash
The governor also discussed growing community resistance to data centers, which are essential for training and running AI models but often strain local power grids and water supplies, and raise environmental concerns. Hochul called for a 'balanced approach', advocating for smarter siting decisions, investments in renewable energy, and stronger community engagement. In 2026, with AI demand skyrocketing, these tensions have become a defining policy challenge across the U.S., and New York's response could set a national template.
The Threat of 3D-Printed Guns
On public safety, Hochul highlighted the convergence of AI and 3D-printed guns, noting that AI-driven design tools could lower the barrier to creating untraceable firearms. She pushed for updated laws that keep pace with technology, stressing the need for federal cooperation to close loopholes that allow these weapons to proliferate.
Protecting Kids Online: A Collective Duty
When asked about child safety online, Hochul was unequivocal: tech companies must do more. She pointed to the staggering rise in AI-generated deepfakes and predatory content, arguing that platforms must implement age verification, content moderation, and algorithmic transparency by default. She also called on parents and schools to work with policymakers, but insisted that 'the burden cannot fall on kids alone'.
A Vision for Responsible Innovation
Hochul's comments reflect a growing bipartisan concern that rapid innovation should not outpace oversight. As AI reshapes industries and societies, her 'less evil' principle underscores a broader demand: technology should serve humanity's best interests, not undermine them. Whether New York can translate this vision into enforceable policy will be a key story to watch in 2026 and beyond.
via The Verge AI