Google Lobbies U.S. States to Insert AI Safety Loopholes

Google led a lobbying campaign across at least 10 U.S. states to influence the drafting of AI chatbot safety laws. The company provided model legislative language that included significant exemptions for major tech firms, specifically shielding chatbots integrated into search engines or those designed for developers from certain liabilities.

In Colorado, Governor Jared Polis signed the Chatbot Safety Act in May 2026. The law excludes 12 categories of chatbots, a move critics and families of suicide victims describe as providing get-out-of-jail-free cards that protect companies from liability regarding child sexual abuse and grooming. Colorado State Representative Sean Camacho defended the approach, arguing that legislative input from tech companies is necessary for the laws to be enforceable.

Other states saw different results. While Idaho and Oregon enacted similar industry-friendly laws, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed her state's bill in June 2026. Hobbs stated she would not protect technology companies more than children. In Hawaii, a lawmaker rejected a Google-provided framework to remove targeted exemptions before signing Act 248. Google maintains that its collaboration with lawmakers is intended to promote safe AI tools while fostering innovation.