In this episode of RegulatingAI, Sanjay Puri speaks with Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who is leading efforts to combat AI-enabled child exploitation.

You’ll learn:
~ Why AI-generated CSAM (child sexual abuse material) presents unprecedented risks
~ How Nebraska passed LB 383 to prohibit AI-generated CSAM
~ The challenges of prosecuting AI crimes compared to traditional crimes
~ Why bipartisan coalitions matter in AI governance
~ How innovation and child protection can coexist in law and policy

Hilgers also shares his perspective on the U.S.–China AI race and why legal frameworks must adapt to fast-moving technologies.

Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nebraska-department-of-justice

Timestamps:
00:00 – Opening thoughts on the need for cautious regulation and measuring impact
00:12 – Host Introduction: About the RegulatingAI podcast and the guest’s background
00:51– Mike Hilgers explains the role of an Attorney General
02:01 – Hilgers’ journey: entrepreneur, lawmaker, prosecutor, and why AI child exploitation became a priority
04:04 – Understanding AI-enabled child sexual abuse material (CSAM): pre-AI vs. post-AI risks and scale
06:26 – Nebraska’s LB 383 bill: Why laws need updating for AI-generated CSAM
09:19 – The challenge of regulation vs. innovation: Avoiding over-regulation while staying competitive globally (U.S.–China AI race)
12:06 – Federal vs. state regulation: Patchwork laws, need for a national standard, states’ rights philosophy
14:15 – Concerns about powerful tech companies & balancing consumer protection with innovation
16:08 – Structural changes in regulation, focusing on robust baselines for future adaptation
19:11– Educating policymakers and the general public about AI’s rapid disruption
21:19 – Law enforcement challenges in prosecuting AI-generated crimes and increased fraud risks
23:00 – Individual rights to sue and privacy in the AI age; legal questions on IP and consumer protections
24:06 – Risks and promise of agentic AI (autonomous systems), rogue agents & corporate responsibility
26:11 – Building bipartisan coalitions for AI safety and the moral imperative of regulation
28:03 – Rapid-fire: Federal vs. state leadership, innovation vs. safety, voluntary vs. mandatory standards, company vs. user liability
29:41 – Outlook on global governance, criminal justice AI, and overall confidence level on AI regulations
32:21 – Closing remarks, importance of collaboration in AI governance, and guest farewell

Share our Podcast