AI Concerns and Data Center Debates in Nevada: A Conversation with Attorney General Aaron Ford
As technology rapidly advances, Nevada finds itself at the forefront of discussions surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and data center developments. Attorney General Aaron Ford is addressing these pressing issues, emphasizing the need for protective measures for children online and debating the implications of data centers in local communities.
Lucia Starbuck: What actions are being taken to protect children from AI-generated harmful content on social media?
Aaron Ford: The recent ruling that the First Amendment protects AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is concerning. We have passed a law in Nevada making the distribution of AI-created CSAM illegal. While the ruling does not currently override our state law due to jurisdictional differences, it poses significant challenges. We aim to align our laws with constitutional requirements while addressing this issue.
Starbuck: How do these rulings impact state law?
Ford: The ruling hasn’t affected our law yet, but similar arguments have been presented in Nevada. The core concern is the potential for AI-generated CSAM users to progress to real child abuse. While we cannot criminalize potential future actions, we aim to limit such possibilities.
Starbuck: What additional AI regulations would you propose?
Ford: A comprehensive discussion on AI is necessary. Potential measures could include age and content restrictions or parental controls. These are similar to safeguards we’ve implemented through settlements with companies like Meta, Facebook, Instagram, and Roblox.
Starbuck: How do you interact with AI in your professional capacity?
Ford: AI is embedded in many daily processes, such as legal research tools like Westlaw and Lexis. While not opposed to AI, I advocate for responsible data center controls. These discussions are related but require separate consideration.
Starbuck: Can AI be used positively?
Ford: Certainly. AI has significant potential for good, such as in medical research for cancer cures. However, we must ensure its use is responsible, safeguarding public interests and adapting to changes in job markets.
Starbuck: What’s your stance on outpacing other countries in technological advances?
Ford: While I respect differing opinions, I disagree with President Trump on this. Local communities should have a say in hosting data centers. It’s not a NIMBY issue for me, but a matter of local choice.
Starbuck: Do you live near data centers, and do they affect you?
Ford: Yes, I live near several data centers and have not experienced disturbances in my 13 years there.
Starbuck: How do you view Governor Lombardo’s executive order on data centers?
Ford: The executive order is inadequate and ineffective. Governor Lombardo supports data centers, providing $240 million in tax breaks. His plan doesn’t address the public concerns about abatements and lacks enforcement of existing laws.
Starbuck: What distinguishes your approach to data center tax abatements?
Ford: I aim to halt future tax abatements for data centers and audit existing ones to ensure compliance. New data centers must build infrastructure without raising energy bills, use green energy, and avoid water reliance for cooling.
Starbuck: What actions will be taken if data centers fail to comply with agreements?
Ford: We will pursue all legal avenues to hold non-compliant entities accountable, ensuring fulfillment of agreements concerning local hires and other requirements.
Starbuck: Did you anticipate the data center issue to be prominent this election cycle?
Ford: It was unexpected. The issue first emerged during a discussion in Minden about a proposed data center in Yerington. Since then, I’ve engaged with communities statewide, discovering widespread concern, including in Boulder City and Pahrump.
Aaron Ford, a Democrat, is challenging Republican Governor Joe Lombardo in the 2026 election. Ford’s spokesperson did not respond to an interview request, and a request has been sent to the governor’s office for further details on the executive order.
Listen to more about Ford’s data center agenda on Purple Politics Nevada here.
