How can a government actually stop or control AI?

February 23, 2026
How can a government actually stop or control AI?

Here's something that might surprise you — trying to totally control or stop AI with laws just might be impossible. ((slower)) According to /u/seobrien on Reddit, AI can exist anywhere in the world, and the internet makes it nearly unstoppable. No matter how many rules you pass, AI can still be accessed through countless apps, channels, or experiences. So what does this actually mean for us? Well, it turns out that governments can't truly make AI safe or controlled — it's a technical impossibility. ((thoughtful)) As /u/seobrien points out, passing laws that say 'fire can't hurt us' is kinda pointless; laws can't change the fundamental nature of the technology. The real danger? Politicians pretending they can keep us safe, which might give a false sense of security. So, the big takeaway? We need to be realistic about what regulation can — and can’t — do in the face of rapidly advancing AI. The game’s changing, and understanding its limits is crucial.

Seeking legal and technical answers. Working with some people on this question and we keep reaching a conclusion that it can't. That it's not possible.

AI can exist anywhere in the world, governed under others' laws (or none at all). It can't be blocked since the internet can't technically, actually, block something. It can be accessed through countless channels, apps, or experiences.

Is there a legitimate way in which AI can technically and truly be made safe or controlled?

Important question for reasons we don't think everyone realizes. If the answer is "no" then politicians are effectively causing harm by pretending they can... They pander votes under false pretenses and they set a false sense of security that we'll be safe because they'll make laws to protect us.

It's like passing a law requiring that fire not hurt us. Sure, pass the law, but it's not possible for it to be so.

submitted by /u/seobrien
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Audio Transcript

Seeking legal and technical answers. Working with some people on this question and we keep reaching a conclusion that it can't. That it's not possible.

AI can exist anywhere in the world, governed under others' laws (or none at all). It can't be blocked since the internet can't technically, actually, block something. It can be accessed through countless channels, apps, or experiences.

Is there a legitimate way in which AI can technically and truly be made safe or controlled?

Important question for reasons we don't think everyone realizes. If the answer is "no" then politicians are effectively causing harm by pretending they can... They pander votes under false pretenses and they set a false sense of security that we'll be safe because they'll make laws to protect us.

It's like passing a law requiring that fire not hurt us. Sure, pass the law, but it's not possible for it to be so.

submitted by /u/seobrien
[link] [comments]
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How can a government actually stop or control AI? | Speasy