ADAM THIERER

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and public policy, one name consistently emerges as a leading voice for innovation and entrepreneurial freedom: Adam Thierer. SUBMITTED STATEMENT OFADAM THIERERRESIDENT SENIOR FELLOW, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATIONR STREET INSTITUTE BEFORE THECOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNMENT REFORMU.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HEARING ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE J Chairman Comer and members of the committee: Thank you for the invitation to participate in this important hearing. MyMore than just a commentator, Thierer is a staunch advocate for what he terms ""permissionless innovation,"" a philosophy that champions the idea that innovation should be allowed to flourish without unnecessary regulatory burdens.As a Senior Fellow for the Technology Innovation team at the R Street Institute in Washington, D.C., Thierer dedicates his work to fostering an environment where innovators and entrepreneurs can thrive, pushing for policies that unlock the potential of emerging technologies while mitigating potential harms through flexible, adaptive governance. New developments in Virginia and Texas signal that the debate over artificial intelligence (AI) policy could be turning in a more positive, pro-innovation direction in the states. Less than three months into the year, an astonishing 900-plus AI-related legislative proposals roughly 12 per day have already been introduced. The majority of these are state measures, and mostFor over three decades, Thierer has been at the forefront of debates surrounding the Internet, free speech, and emerging technologies, offering insightful analysis and shaping the conversation around the future of innovation. Adam Thierer, There are Two Different AI Policy Debates, and You Need to Start Paying More Attention to the One about Woke AI, Medium, .He asks crucial questions: How do we foster technological progress while addressing societal concerns?How do we balance the need for safeguards with the risks of stifling creativity?How do we ensure that innovation remains a force for good?His work provides a roadmap for navigating these complex challenges, making him a crucial figure in the modern tech policy arena.

Adam Thierer's Background and Expertise

Adam Thierer's journey to becoming a leading voice in technology policy began long before the current AI boom. Adam Thierer ABSTRACT: Traditional hard law tools and processes are struggling to keep up with the rapid pace of innovation in many emerging technologies sectors. As a result, policy-makers in the United States rely increasingly on less formal soft law governance mech-anisms to address concerns surrounding many newer technologies.His career spans several prominent think tanks, each contributing to his comprehensive understanding of the intersection between technology, law, and society.Prior to his current role at the R Street Institute, Thierer spent 12 years as a Senior Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, where he also served as a Senior Research Fellow.Before that, he held the position of Director of Telecommunications Studies at the Cato Institute.This diverse background has allowed him to develop a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies.

• R Street Institute: Senior Fellow for the Technology Innovation team.
• Mercatus Center at George Mason University: Senior Fellow and Senior Research Fellow.
• Cato Institute: Director of Telecommunications Studies.

His areas of expertise encompass a wide range of critical issues, including:

• Innovation: Understanding the drivers of innovation and the policies that can either foster or hinder it.
• Entrepreneurialism: Supporting the growth of new businesses and the creation of new industries.
• Internet Policy: Advocating for an open and free internet that allows for the free flow of information and ideas.
• Free Speech: Defending the right to express oneself without government censorship.
• Emerging Technologies: Analyzing the potential impacts of new technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and biotechnology.

The Philosophy of Permissionless Innovation

At the heart of Adam Thierer's work lies the concept of permissionless innovation.This philosophy, which he has championed throughout his career, argues that innovation should be allowed to proceed without the need for prior approval from regulators.The core argument is that innovation is inherently unpredictable, and attempting to regulate it in advance is likely to stifle creativity and prevent valuable new technologies from emerging.He posits that new technologies should be welcomed unless demonstrated harms develop.

Key Principles of Permissionless Innovation

1. Default to Freedom: Innovation should be presumed permissible unless there is a clear and compelling reason to restrict it.
2. Adaptive Governance: Regulations should be flexible and adaptable, allowing them to evolve as technologies change and new information becomes available.
3. Focus on Harm Reduction: Regulatory efforts should focus on mitigating demonstrable harms, rather than attempting to prevent all potential risks.
4. Avoid Precautionary Principle: The precautionary principle, which calls for restricting innovation in the face of uncertainty, should be avoided, as it can stifle progress and prevent valuable new technologies from emerging.

Thierer argues that a permissionless approach is essential for fostering a dynamic and innovative economy. Adam Thierer is a senior fellow for the Technology Innovation team. He works to make the world safe for innovators and entrepreneurs by pushing for a policy vision that is rooted in the idea of permissionless innovation.By allowing entrepreneurs and innovators to experiment and iterate without unnecessary regulatory hurdles, society can benefit from a wider range of new products, services, and business models.

Adam Thierer on Artificial Intelligence Regulation

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a central focus of Adam Thierer's work. Adam Thierer. ContributorHe has been a vocal critic of overly restrictive AI regulations, arguing that they could stifle innovation and prevent the United States from competing in the global AI race.His perspective is that premature or excessive regulation could inadvertently lock in existing technologies, hinder the development of new applications, and ultimately disadvantage the United States in the global marketplace.

Concerns About Overregulation of AI

• Stifling Innovation: Overly restrictive regulations can make it more difficult and expensive for companies to develop and deploy new AI technologies.
• Global Competitiveness: Stifling innovation in the United States could allow other countries, such as China, to take the lead in AI development.
• Unintended Consequences: Regulations that are not carefully designed can have unintended consequences, such as preventing the development of beneficial AI applications.
• Patchwork Regulations: A fragmented landscape of state-level AI laws can create confusion and uncertainty for businesses, making it more difficult to innovate.

Adam Thierer's Proposed Solutions for AI Governance

Rather than advocating for a complete lack of regulation, Adam Thierer promotes a more nuanced approach to AI governance. Adam Thierer, White House Executive Order Threatens to Put AI in a Regulatory Cage, R Street blog, Octo. Adam Thierer, Testimony for House Oversight Committee hearing on WhiteHe suggests focusing on adaptive governance mechanisms that can evolve as the technology matures and new information becomes available.This approach emphasizes:

• Transparency: Encouraging companies to be transparent about how their AI systems work.
• Accountability: Establishing clear lines of accountability for the actions of AI systems.
• Risk-Based Regulation: Focusing regulatory efforts on the AI applications that pose the greatest risks.
• Preemption: Advocating for federal preemption of state AI laws to avoid a patchwork of conflicting regulations.

He argues that a flexible and adaptive approach to AI governance is essential for fostering innovation while mitigating potential risks. Adam Thierer The Battle over AI Regulation Will End in a Big Fight over Transparency Audits For those of us who are fighting for the freedom to innovate with artificial intelligence (AI) andHe believes that regulations should be carefully tailored to the specific applications of AI, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Adam Thierer's Testimony and Publications

Adam Thierer's influence extends beyond his written work.He is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops, and he has testified before Congress on numerous occasions, offering his expertise on technology policy issues. Adam Thierer specializes in entrepreneurialism, Internet, and free-speech issues, with a focus on emerging technologies. He is a senior fellow for the Technology Innovation team at R Street Institute, a leading public policy think tank, and previously spent 12 years as a senior fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.His testimony provides valuable insights for policymakers as they grapple with the complex challenges of regulating emerging technologies.

Examples of Testimony and Publications

• Testimony before Congress: Thierer has testified before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on topics related to AI and technology policy.
• R Street Institute Publications: He has authored numerous articles and blog posts for the R Street Institute, analyzing the latest developments in technology policy and offering his recommendations for policymakers.
• Lawfare Articles: Co-authored articles in Lawfare discussing the need for Congressional action on AI preemption.
• Permissionless Innovation: The Continuing Case for Comprehensive Technological Freedom: Authored this book detailing the principles of permissionless innovation and its importance for fostering technological progress.

His contributions to the public discourse on technology policy have made him a respected and influential voice in the field. Adam Thierer is a senior fellow for the Technology Innovation team at the R Street Institute in Washington DC. He works to make the world safe for innovators and entrepreneurs by pushing for a policy vision that is rooted in the idea of permissionless innovation.He actively engages in debates, presents his research findings, and proposes policy solutions to promote innovation and protect fundamental freedoms.

The Importance of Balancing Innovation and Regulation

Adam Thierer's work highlights the critical importance of balancing the need to foster innovation with the need to protect society from potential harms. Adam Thierer is a senior fellow for the Technology Innovation team at the R Street Institute. He works to make the world safe for innovators and entrepreneurs by pushing for a policy vision that is rooted in the idea of permissionless innovation. Prior to R Street, Adam spent 12 years as a senior fellow at the MercatusHe argues that overly restrictive regulations can stifle innovation, prevent the development of beneficial technologies, and ultimately harm society.

Key Considerations for Policymakers

• Avoid the Precautionary Principle: Policymakers should avoid the precautionary principle, which can lead to overly restrictive regulations that stifle innovation.
• Focus on Harm Reduction: Regulatory efforts should focus on mitigating demonstrable harms, rather than attempting to prevent all potential risks.
• Promote Competition: Policies should promote competition and avoid creating barriers to entry for new businesses.
• Encourage Experimentation: Policymakers should encourage experimentation and allow innovators to try new things without fear of excessive regulation.

By carefully considering these factors, policymakers can create an environment that fosters innovation while protecting society from potential harms.Adam Thierer's contributions provide a framework for navigating these complex issues and ensuring that technology remains a force for good.

The Future of Technology Policy: Adam Thierer's Vision

Adam Thierer's vision for the future of technology policy is one where innovation is allowed to flourish without unnecessary regulatory burdens. It was my pleasure to join the Lawfare daily podcast on short notice to discuss the ramifications of the new 270-page report fromHe believes that a permissionless approach to innovation is essential for driving economic growth, creating new jobs, and improving people's lives.

Key Elements of Thierer's Vision

• Flexible and Adaptive Regulations: Regulations should be flexible and adaptable, allowing them to evolve as technologies change and new information becomes available.
• Focus on Outcomes: Regulatory efforts should focus on achieving desired outcomes, rather than prescribing specific technologies or approaches.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Governments and private companies should work together to develop and implement effective technology policies.
• International Cooperation: Countries should cooperate to harmonize technology regulations and avoid creating barriers to international trade and innovation.

By embracing these principles, Adam Thierer believes that we can create a future where technology is used to solve some of the world's most pressing problems and improve the lives of people around the globe.His continued advocacy for permissionless innovation serves as a guiding light for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators alike.

Adam Thierer: A Call to Action for Innovation

Ultimately, Adam Thierer's work serves as a call to action for embracing innovation and resisting the urge to overregulate.He reminds us that progress often comes from unexpected places, and that stifling creativity can have far-reaching consequences. On Ap, the R Street Institute s Adam Thierer testified before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology s Subcommittee on Research and Technology at a hearing titled DeepSeek: A Deep Dive. The session aimed to scrutinize DeepSeek, an artificial intelligence (AI) platform associated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and assess its implications forBy fostering an environment where innovators are free to experiment and iterate, we can unlock the full potential of technology to improve our lives and create a brighter future.

Are you ready to champion permissionless innovation?Here are some steps you can take:

• Stay Informed: Follow Adam Thierer's work and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in technology policy.
• Engage in the Debate: Participate in the public discourse on technology policy, sharing your views and advocating for policies that promote innovation.
• Support Innovation: Support entrepreneurs and innovators who are working to create new technologies and solve pressing problems.
• Contact Your Representatives: Contact your elected officials and urge them to support policies that foster innovation and avoid unnecessary regulation.

By taking these steps, you can help to create a future where technology is a force for good and where innovation is allowed to flourish.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Adam Thierer

Adam Thierer's contributions to the field of technology policy are undeniable. Adam Thierer Being an Effective Policy Analyst in the Age of Information Overload The biggest challenge of being an effective technology policy analyst, academic, or journalist these days is thatThrough his extensive research, insightful analysis, and unwavering advocacy for permissionless innovation, he has shaped the conversation around the future of technology and its role in society.His dedication to fostering an environment where innovators can thrive has made him a vital voice in the debates surrounding artificial intelligence, internet freedom, and the countless emerging technologies that are transforming our world.By emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with responsible governance, he offers a roadmap for navigating the complex challenges of the digital age and ensuring that technology remains a force for progress and prosperity.Adam Thierer's legacy will undoubtedly endure as a champion for freedom, innovation, and the boundless potential of human ingenuity.