Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s latest effort to regulate artificial intelligence and combat AI-related threats in his state has not been well received by some critics online. Pritzker recently shared an article on X about his newly established AI Cabinet, saying the state is building on its existing framework for “AI safety, transparency, and accountability,” which he claimed is the strongest in the nation.
Pritzker said the new cabinet will help “prepare and protect our people,” but some of his critics weren’t convinced. Several questioned what it would actually accomplish, while others used the announcement to raise concerns about data centers.
According to MyStateline, the cabinet itself was created through an executive order Pritzker signed on September 22. Rather than functioning as a new state agency, the group will bring together AI experts and senior officials from several state agencies to study potential risks and recommend ways Illinois can respond to them.
Its work will cover several areas, including data privacy, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure and the ethical use of AI. The cabinet will also examine how the state can prepare for AI-related incidents and protect public systems, including schools, water systems and government information.
Critics Question Pritzker’s Latest AI Move
On X, several people responded to Pritzker’s post with criticism of both the initiative and the governor himself.
“Sounds like another government syphoning scheme to me,” one critic alleged. Another accused Pritzker of misrepresenting the purpose of the state’s AI regulation, writing, “Stop lying. It is legislation to sue and take money. It has nothing to do with AI security.”
Some responses also claimed that the governor was making way for more data centers in the state. “Don’t forget Data centers will be back in business in Illinois if he’s elected so this is just another Pritzker distraction from what he has done already!” one person claimed. Another predicted, “When you get reelected it is Data centers in taxpayers back yards, mileage taxes and garage sales taxes!”
Others skipped the details of the AI announcement altogether and went straight to criticizing Pritzker. “This guy is a joke,” one commenter remarked. Someone else said, “I can’t wait to vote you out. The worst governor in Illinois history.” Another chimed in, “Why don’t you step down?”
The governor did have some support in the comments, with one person simply stating, “Thank goodness for JB!”
Illinois’ AI Cabinet Will Look at Data Centers Too
Data centers are actually among the issues the new cabinet has been instructed to examine.
According to Pritzker’s executive order, the group will explore whether Illinois should make some of the benefits and approvals given to data centers dependent on companies following certain AI safeguards. Members will also look into how much pressure AI data centers could put on the state’s electricity supply and what that could mean for ratepayers.
The executive order also states that members of the cabinet will not be paid for serving on it. The Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology will provide administrative support, while Pritzker will appoint the members within 30 days of the order taking effect.
The cabinet will not be a permanent addition to state government either. Its work is scheduled to end by December 31, 2027, leaving members a little over a year to study the issues and make their recommendations.
