Brother and sister AI business builders. I am new in this community, but I am not new to AI or the policy landscape. And I wanted to introduce myself by way of the following post. Consider this a public service announcement.
In this first week of 2026 I encourage you to educate yourselves on all of the new laws and regulations that are coming online regarding AI. They are going to affect all of us no matter where we live in the world.
I get it. Policy isnβt really the sexiest topic. Iβm retiring soon after a 33 year US federal government career serving in the technology sector and being enlisted in the US Navy. And there are times when my own eyes STILL start to close when Iβm reading policies and regulations myself. It can be boring. But this year in particular there is an urgent need to force ourselves into paying attention.
Some policies regarding AI have already gone into force, and other extremely disruptive ones for AI businesses are coming into force later this year, in many global markets.
Countries around the world are implementing new policies and laws with regard to artificial intelligence this year.
If you donβt know what they are, and where they are enforceable, as an AI builder, this is where you should start paying attention.
2026 is the year that both independent developers and companies developing with AI can be held financially liable, or, your products may be blocked from being sold in specific markets, if they are not architected within the guidelines set by regulatory bodies that apply to you.
The impact of this is that βshipping messyβ is likely no longer an option. If you donβt build your product within the policies and guidelines that are enforceable for your area, you may be held liable. Nobody wants that.
The US state where I live and incorporated my LLc is facing huge regulatory issues building with AI coming into force this spring. It will affect every product that I make or deploy going forward.
You would do well to check your own global geographic area, country, and state / local level regulations because they are legally enforceable, and the fines can be significant if your product or service is not architected correctly.
If I were your professor, now would be the part of the lecture where I would be stomping my foot audibly as I encourage you to check your own country, state, and jurisdiction laws β¦right now.
If it feels overwhelming, thatβs because it is. We are at the bleeding edge of a brand new industry and government regulations are now starting to catch up with us.
We are not allowed to ignore the law. Understanding the policy landscape IS 100% part of our job as business owners and app builders.We must build our products and services responsibly within the legal guidelines and boundaries wherever we live.
It is nice to meet all of you.
β¨Professor Elliott is leaving the building now β¨