Senator Elizabeth Warren has accused artificial intelligence companies of lobbying to water down regulatory oversight in the USMCA trade deal. She is pushing for expanded government access to the algorithms that power AI systems, arguing that current rules leave regulators in the dark.
The accusation
In a statement released Monday, Warren said AI firms are working behind the scenes to strip provisions that would allow authorities to examine their technology. The USMCA — the trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada — includes language on digital trade and data flows, but Warren contends that industry pressure has created loopholes. She did not name specific companies but warned that the lobbying effort threatens to undermine the deal's ability to hold AI accountable.
What Warren wants
The senator is calling for expanded regulatory access to algorithms, meaning government officials would have the power to inspect the code and data that drive AI decision-making. Warren argues that without such access, regulators cannot verify whether AI systems are biased, unsafe, or violating consumer protections. She has long been a critic of Big Tech and has introduced legislation aimed at reining in the industry.
The USMCA and AI oversight
The trade deal, which replaced NAFTA in 2020, includes a chapter on digital trade that restricts how member countries can regulate data. Critics say those restrictions make it harder for governments to impose transparency rules on AI. Warren's accusation suggests that AI companies are exploiting the agreement's provisions to avoid scrutiny. The USMCA is subject to periodic review, and the next review is expected to begin later this year.
What comes next
Warren's office said she plans to raise the issue during upcoming hearings on the USMCA's implementation. The senator is also expected to push for amendments that would explicitly grant regulators access to algorithms. Whether the Biden administration or trade partners will support such changes remains an open question. The AI industry has pushed back, arguing that excessive regulation could stifle innovation and hurt competitiveness.
