JB Pritzker thinks AI could help us live to 100 — or threaten us like nukes
News Source
•2026-10-19T10:30:00-04:00
📰 What Happened
Illinois governor JB Pritzker spoke to The Verge's Decoder about AI, privacy and big tech. He said government must be more active in protecting people from technology that is invading their lives.
Pritzker argued that too much power sits in too few hands, pointing to AI and social media companies. He linked these fights to a wider change in politics ahead of next month's midterms.
🔍 The Backstory
The interview covers data centres, privacy laws and antitrust. Pritzker said some problems can only be solved by government, because states cannot fix them alone.
His comments come as both parties push back on data centres, which use large amounts of power and water. He also said Illinois is still negotiating with the Chicago Bears over a possible move.
🎯 Why It Matters
State governors now write many of the rules that shape AI and privacy. Their choices reach users far beyond Illinois.
Illinois governor JB Pritzker spoke to The Verge's Decoder about AI, privacy and big tech. He said government must be more active in protecting people from technology that is invading their lives.
Pritzker argued that too much power sits in too few hands, pointing to AI and social media companies. He linked these fights to a wider change in politics ahead of next month's midterms.
The interview covers data centres, privacy laws and antitrust. Pritzker said some problems can only be solved by government, because states cannot fix them alone.
His comments come as both parties push back on data centres, which use large amounts of power and water. He also said Illinois is still negotiating with the Chicago Bears over a possible move.
State governors now write many of the rules that shape AI and privacy. Their choices reach users far beyond Illinois.