Exclusive: Section 230 will probably cover AI, Cruz says — whether it should is a different question

What they're saying: "I suspect the argument will be that under the plain language of 230, AI falls within it," Cruz said — though he was quick to add "I think it's early in determining that."

The intrigue: Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, would not answer specifically whether he thought 230, which shields online platforms from liability for the speech of their users, should cover AI or not.

• He has been a leading advocate for light-touch AI regulation, pushing a moratorium on state-level regulations and introducing a bill to create a federal "sandbox" for relaxed regulations.

Zoom in: "I think avoiding censorship makes sense," Cruz said, claiming the suppression of speech by Big Tech companies is "the greatest threat to democracy and free speech" in modern times.

• Cruz said Section 230 reform was necessary, and could be used as leverage over tech companies to ensure they're not actively suppressing speech.

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