The Rise of AI: Why Congress Must Regulate Artificial Intelligence Before it is too Late

In November of last year, Open AI launched ChatGPT, an AI chatbot that engages users with dialogue to answer questions, write responses to prompts, and interacts with the user. Google quickly responded to the technological advancement by creating their own version of a chatbot called Bard that Google claims will draw “on information from the web to provide fresh, high-quality response.” AI has quickly embedded itself into most everyday activities. Additionally, in light of recent mass layoffs, experts predict that AI could displace tens of millions of jobs in the United States in the coming years. And with new chatbots run by AI, AIs have gone from simply replacing people to assisting people with tasks. As with all emerging technology, the general public may worry about regulating something that can be so intrusive and yet powerful and helpful to society. With the unsurmountable amount of knowledge provided by AI in seconds, it is necessary that Congress catch up to the emerging technology and create regulations for AI that can respect intellectual property and copyright laws and eradicate how AI adds to racial and gender disparities in the United States.

The Southwest Airline Debacle: What Role Should Regulators Play?

To anyone who travelled by plane this last holiday season or tuned into the news, you’re well versed in the Southwest Airlines (Southwest) issues that plagued December 2022. Southwest ended up cancelling over 15,000 flights over the Christmas season, forcing thousands of stranded passengers to sleep at the airport and miss time with loved ones. With the disruptions leading to an estimated $825 million loss for the company, federal regulators have scrutinized Southwest to ensure compliance with its customer service plan and to take mitigating steps to prevent another catastrophe. This failure presents an opportunity beyond mere investigation for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to take important regulatory steps to ensure infrastructure and technology is aligned with the modern expectations of travel.

FTC Proposes Rule Banning Non-Compete Clauses Nationwide

On January 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed a ban on the use of non-compete provisions in employment contracts. The ban would also require employers to nullify any existing non-compete clauses within six months of activation. The proposed rule applies to all employees and independent contractors, paid and unpaid workers, and businesses of all sizes and location. This is a far-reaching move that has the potential to raise wages and increase competition among businesses.

Kraken Settles with the SEC in a $30 Million Deal

Sophie Shapiro Associate Editor Loyola University Chicago School of Law, JD 2024 Kraken will pay $30 million to settle SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) allegations that it broke the agency’s rules with its cryptoasset staking products and will discontinue them in the United States as part of the agreement with the regulator. What is Kraken? …
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U.S. Sanctions Nine Companies Involved in Iranian Oil Operations

Hannah Newman   Associate Editor   Loyola University Chicago School of Law, JD 2024  On February 9, 2023, the United States imposed sanctions on companies accused of producing, selling, and shipping hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian petrochemicals and petroleum. Iran, a major producer of hydrocarbons, holds some of the world’s largest deposits of oil …
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Too Big to Fail?: Ticketmaster and the Live Entertainment Debacle

After months of near-total silence, Beyonce opened Black History Month with a bang when she finally blessed the Beehive with what they had been impatiently waiting for since the release of her seventh studio album: the announcement of the Renaissance World Tour. Her loyal fans have been anticipating this news since Renaissance was released too much acclaim at the end of July 2022. However, alongside anticipation, fans are battling a strong feeling of anxiety at the prospect of not being able to secure tickets for the coveted shows. And no wonder. Ticketmaster – the vendor through which tickets for the Renaissance tour are being sold – recently, and very publicly, bungled another highly awaited ticket sale.

Regulating the Black Experience

Taelor Thornton Associate Editor Loyola University Chicago School of Law, JD 2024 Advanced Placement (AP) Music History, AP World History, AP Art History, AP European History, and now AP African American History. The College Board (the Board) offers 39 AP classes on many different subjects, and has recently added an African American history course. The …
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A Blizzard of Controversy: Activision-Blizzard Settles with the SEC Amid Controversy

A Blizzard of Controversy: Activision-Blizzard Settles with the SEC Amid Controversy Jacob Taylor Associate Blogger Loyola University Chicago School of Law, JD 2024   Activision-Blizzard became one of the largest gaming companies in the world after the merger between the two companies in 2008. The company is known for its games, and more recently for …
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Proposing to Ban Noncompete Agreements, the FTC Plays its Strongest Hand

On January 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published a proposed rule that would categorically ban noncompete agreements between employers and a broad class of “workers,” including independent contractors, volunteers, apprentices, and even sole proprietors who provide services to clients. By pushing for markedly extensive change, the FTC has played its strongest hand. Consequently, the federal government should anticipate that an abundance of litigation will be initiated by the corporate sector’s major players, who will fight for middle-ground legislation.

The FTC Non-Compete Ban Proposal

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently proposed a ban on non-compete clauses in contracts between employers and their employees. The FTC estimates this ban could increase American earnings in the range of $300 billion per year, while also allowing for lateral movements across business sectors and more career opportunities for employees. The FTC’s primary mission is to protect both competition and consumers with this proposed ban. Through Section 5(a) of the FTC Act, the FTC has the power to investigate and prevent unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices affecting commerce.