In this episode of the RegulatingAI Podcast, host Sanjay Puri had an engaging podcast with Governor Matt Meyer, Delaware’s 76th Governor and a national leader in AI governance. Governor Meyer shares how Delaware is pioneering responsible AI through initiatives like the AI sandbox, the OpenAI workforce certification partnership, and efforts to safeguard democracy from deepfakes. This masterclass in state-led AI regulation explores how innovation and accountability can—and must—go hand in hand.

5 Key Takeaways:
1. AI as a Tool, Not Destiny: Governor Meyer emphasizes that AI’s value lies in how it improves lives—not in the technology itself.
2. First to Value, Not First to Hype: Delaware is piloting and scaling AI responsibly, ensuring guardrails before mass adoption.
3. Workforce First: With OpenAI certification programs, Delaware is leading in preparing workers and students for the AI-powered economy.
4. Balancing Innovation & Regulation: The state’s AI sandbox offers a safe testbed for companies to experiment responsibly.
5. Protecting Democracy & People: From tackling election deepfakes to ensuring job transitions, Meyer highlights human-centered governance.

If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe to the RegulatingAI Podcast for more expert perspectives on the future of AI.

Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/governor-delaware-matt-meyer/
https://governor.delaware.gov/
https://news.delaware.gov/2025/07/23/delaware-launches-bold-ai-sandbox-initiative-cementing-its-role-as-a-national-leader-in-responsible-tech-innovation/
https://news.delaware.gov/2025/09/04/delaware-first-state-in-the-nation-to-partner-with-openai-on-certification-program/

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Delaware’s AI Vision
02:30 – The AI Sandbox: Incubating Safe Innovation
05:45 – How AI Can Improve Lives (Not Just Technology)
08:10 – Workforce Development: OpenAI Certification Partnership
11:05 – Piloting AI Adoption & Guardrails
14:20 – Addressing AI Hype vs. Real Value
17:00 – Job Loss & Agentic AI: Human-Centered Policy
20:15 – AI Skills for Workers: ChatGPT’s Study Mode
22:40 – Corporate Governance: AI Seats at the Table?
25:05 – Regulatory Capture & Consumer Protection
27:50 – Federal vs. State Regulation Debate
30:15 – Tackling Election Deepfakes & Democracy Threats
33:00 – Global AI Harmonization & Compliance
36:25 – Rapid-Fire Policy Questions: Governor’s Stance
42:00 – Government’s Message to Global Peers
44:00 – Delaware’s Model: A Blueprint for Responsible AI

Share our Podcast