Montana’s New AI Law Just Went Into Effect

Here we are in 2025 and we still don't have flying cars. Okay, so maybe we're close to flying cars but we do have artificial intelligence! And while it hasn't taken over the world (yet), it has become powerful enough to now be governed by law.

Managing The Power Of AI In Montana

Artificial intelligence, or AI, has come so far in so little time. What began as a novelty to alter photos, create ridiculous stories in ChatGPT, etc... has now evolved into a entity that is being used in multiple industries across the planet.

According to a report from Forbes, 66% of people use AI every day. From healthcare to agriculture, AI has done quite a bit to help us advance in those areas but now, the government will have to carefully monitor how they use AI.

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A new law went into effect Wednesday, October 1st that will govern the use of AI by our government.

According to House Bill 178, the government or state officers cannot use AI "(1) for the cognitive behavioral manipulation of a person or group; (2) to classify a person or group based on behavior, socioeconomic status, or personal characteristics resulting in unlawful discrimination or a disparate impact on a person or group based on an actual or perceived differentiating characteristic; (3) for a malicious purpose; or (4) for surveillance of public spaces, except: (a) to locate a missing, endangered, or wanted person; or (b) in conformity with Title 44, chapter 15, part 1, regarding continuous facial surveillance."

Is This A Win For Montanans?

Absolutely. AI can be used for a multitude of reasons but this law at least puts some boundaries on how it can be used. In the right hands, AI can be used for the greater good and assisting our law enforcement and elected officials... but in the wrong hands? There's no telling what malicious things could come as a result of misusing AI, even accidentally.

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Thankfully, we won't have to worry about that going forward. Now, with that being said... are there other Montana laws pertaining to artificial intelligence that should be put into place? Share your input with us HERE.