Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming part of everyday life. From healthcare to banking, education to defense, AI systems are everywhere. But in the rush to regulate this powerful technology, something dangerous is happening. In the United States, we’re starting to see what experts call “quack AI governance.” This means fake or poorly thought-out rules that don’t actually protect people. Instead, they give a false sense of security while real risks grow in the background. This article breaks down what quack AI governance is, why it’s such a big deal in the US, and how we can fix it before it’s too late.
What Is Quack AI Governance?
“Quack AI governance” is a term used to describe weak, ineffective, or even fake policies around artificial intelligence. It’s like snake oil for AI—rules that sound good on paper but do very little to address real-world problems.
Think of it like a doctor who promises a miracle cure without any science to back it up. In the same way, quack AI governance happens when lawmakers or organizations create AI regulations without consulting actual AI experts, scientists, or the public. These policies might look impressive because they use buzzwords like “responsible AI” or “ethical AI,” but in reality, they fail to prevent harms like bias, surveillance overreach, or autonomous system failures.
In the US, this problem is growing because there’s no unified national AI law. Different states, agencies, and companies are making their own rules. Some of these efforts are well-meaning but lack teeth. Others are outright distractions designed to avoid real accountability.
Why Is It a Big Problem in the US?
The United States leads the world in AI development. Big tech companies like Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Meta are all US-based. With that kind of influence comes responsibility. But without strong governance, AI technologies can cause massive harm—amplifying discrimination, threatening privacy, and even destabilizing entire industries.
The US currently relies on a patchwork of voluntary guidelines and outdated laws to govern AI. This approach leaves huge gaps. For example, there’s no federal law to prevent AI from being used in biased hiring systems, flawed predictive policing, or facial recognition that misidentifies people of color.
Quack AI governance allows companies to self-regulate, which often means prioritizing profit over public safety. If nothing changes, the US risks falling behind countries like the EU that are already passing stronger AI laws, like the EU AI Act.
Signs of Quack AI Governance
How can you tell if AI governance efforts are fake or ineffective? Here are some clear warning signs:
Weak AI Laws
Many AI policies in the US use vague language like “companies should strive for fairness” or “AI systems must be ethical.” These statements sound good but don’t set clear standards or penalties for violations. Without strong, enforceable laws, companies can ignore guidelines without consequences.
No Tech Experts Involved
Another red flag is when AI rules are written without input from actual AI researchers, ethicists, or engineers. Lawmakers who don’t understand how machine learning, neural networks, or large language models work are more likely to create laws that are outdated or irrelevant as soon as they’re written.
Ignoring Public Safety
Quack governance also happens when the focus is on protecting business interests instead of people. For example, regulations that prioritize “innovation” at all costs often ignore issues like data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the environmental impact of large AI systems. When public safety isn’t front and center, the result is weak and dangerous oversight.
How to Spot Fake AI Rules
Spotting fake AI governance isn’t always easy, but there are some telltale signs:
- No enforcement mechanisms: If a law doesn’t include penalties for breaking the rules, it’s toothless.
- Overuse of buzzwords: Terms like “ethical AI” and “responsible innovation” can sound impressive but mean little without clear definitions.
- Focus on voluntary compliance: If companies are only “encouraged” to follow rules instead of being required to, expect minimal action.
- Lack of transparency: If organizations refuse to share how AI systems work or how decisions are made, governance is likely ineffective.
By learning to spot these signs, the public can push for stronger, more meaningful regulations.
What Are the Risks of Doing Nothing?
If the US continues down the path of quack AI governance, the risks are enormous:
- Widespread bias: AI systems trained on biased data will keep reinforcing discrimination in hiring, lending, law enforcement, and healthcare.
- Erosion of privacy: Weak laws mean more invasive surveillance technologies can spread unchecked, threatening civil liberties.
- Economic disruption: Without oversight, AI could displace millions of workers without plans for retraining or support.
- National security risks: Poorly regulated AI systems in defense and cybersecurity could open the door to catastrophic failures.
Ignoring these risks could lead to crises that are much harder to fix later on.
How Can the US Fix It?
The good news is that it’s not too late. The US can take meaningful steps to avoid quack AI governance and build strong, effective policies.
Bring in Real AI Experts
Policymakers must collaborate with people who actually understand AI—researchers, ethicists, engineers, and social scientists. These experts can provide insights into how technologies work and where the real dangers lie.
Set Clear and Strong Rules
Laws need to go beyond vague guidelines. They should define clear standards for AI systems, include mandatory audits for high-risk applications, and impose penalties for violations. Companies should be legally required to test their AI for bias, safety, and transparency before deployment.
Keep Updating AI Laws
AI is evolving rapidly. Static laws will quickly become outdated. The US needs a framework for regularly reviewing and updating regulations as new technologies and risks emerge. This adaptive approach ensures governance stays relevant and effective.
Future of AI Governance in the US
The future of AI governance in the US will depend on whether lawmakers, companies, and the public demand real change. The country has the resources and expertise to lead the world in ethical AI development—but only if it moves away from performative policies and towards strong, enforceable laws. If done right, AI can benefit everyone. If not, the US could face social, economic, and political instability caused by poorly regulated technologies.
The Bottom Line
Quack AI governance is a growing threat in the US. Fake or weak AI rules give the illusion of safety while leaving the public vulnerable to real harms. To prevent this, the US must bring in experts, set clear standards, and update laws to keep pace with technological change. Strong AI governance isn’t just about controlling technology—it’s about protecting people, democracy, and the future.
