NYC Mayor Mamdani Takes On AI: Bans in Schools, Real Estate

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is taking a stand against the unchecked spread of artificial intelligence. At a public event on Monday, he told New Yorkers they don't have to accept AI taking over their jobs, their kids' education, or their privacy. He criticized the federal government for doing little to regulate AI, leaving cities to fend for themselves. Mamdani's message: AI's rollout isn't inevitable—we can demand accountability from tech companies.

Mamdani has already taken action. Last month, he banned AI use in elementary and middle schools, responding to concerns from parents like actress Ilana Glazer, who said AI in classrooms feels forced and non-consensual. Over the summer, he also introduced a policy requiring landlords and real estate platforms to disclose when listing photos or videos are AI-generated. This aims to protect house hunters from being tricked by misleading images—a practice known as 'house-phishing.'

At the event, Mamdani warned about the dangers of embracing AI without questioning its limitations. He cited a U.S. military strike in Iran that killed over 150 people, including 123 children, where overreliance on AI targeting was a factor. He also criticized the federal government's approach, which he said focuses on competing with China rather than addressing ethical concerns. Mamdani argued that AI companies shouldn't be allowed to regulate themselves, especially as they prepare to go public and seek massive valuations.

His broader point is that public officials must hold AI companies accountable and that citizens should resist the feeling of inevitability. 'Nothing has to be,' he said, urging New Yorkers to push back against the creep of AI into every aspect of life. As federal regulation lags, cities like New York are stepping up to set their own rules—a trend that could spread to other municipalities.