Link: Meet the new tech laws of 2026

2025 marked another year of extensive legislative activity at the state level in the U.S., particularly concerning technology and consumer protection. California, Colorado, and Washington made significant strides in regulations on AI transparency and the right to repair electronics.

Effective January 1st, Colorado implemented consumer safeguards at cryptocurrency ATMs and broadened electronic repair rights. A Texas court, however, paused the enactment of an age verification law related to app stores.

California's notable SB 53 mandates AI companies to disclose safety procedures and support whistleblowers. This law is part of a larger push in the state to regulate the ethical use and implications of artificial intelligence.

The federal landscape has failed to produce significant legislation in the data privacy arena, leaving states like Indiana and Kentucky to set their standards, albeit with mixed results according to privacy advocates.

Maine has taken steps against deceptive subscription models by enforcing transparency and simplifying the cancellation process. This move aligns with the Federal Trade Commission’s standards for fair consumer practices.

Other states, seeking to curtail the influence of AI in elections, have passed laws to mandate the disclosure of AI-generated political advertisements. These laws are a part of broader efforts to tackle misinformation and unethical use of technology in politics.

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