Abstract
In 2025, regulatory frameworks governing artificial intelligence (AI) have undergone significant transformation. This article critically examines the evolution of global AI law, focusing on the full implementation of the EU AI Act, the contrasting regulatory approach in the United States, emerging copyright disputes involving prominent musical artists, and the introduction of state-level legislation. Furthermore, the analysis explores how AI is reshaping legal practice, highlighting the attendant ethical and bias-related challenges.
Introduction
The rapid advancement of AI technologies has necessitated a corresponding evolution in legal regulation. With technology outpacing traditional legal frameworks, policymakers worldwide have embarked on ambitious reforms to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in the deployment of AI systems. In this context, 2025 marks a watershed moment for AI law, with notable developments in both international and domestic regulatory regimes.
Global Regulatory Frameworks
The European Union (EU) has taken decisive action by fully enforcing the EU AI Act. This comprehensive legal instrument establishes stringent requirements for AI transparency and accountability, mandating that AI systems adhere to predefined standards to protect individual rights and societal interests (European Commission, 2025). In contrast, the United States has opted for a markedly different approach. By reducing regulatory oversight, U.S. policymakers aim to foster innovation and maintain competitive advantage in the global tech market, albeit with potential increases in associated risks (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2024). These divergent regulatory paradigms underscore the complex balance between innovation and risk management in the realm of AI.
Copyright and AI
A significant battleground in AI law concerns intellectual property rights. In the United Kingdom, debates have intensified over whether technology companies should have unfettered access to copyrighted materials for AI training purposes. This issue has gained public prominence through the actions of established musical artists such as Kate Bush and Damon Albarn, who have actively protested against the unauthorized use of their creative works in AI applications (Bush and Albarn, 2025). Their protests have not only drawn attention to the potential exploitation of intellectual property but have also spurred legislative initiatives aimed at reconciling the interests of content creators and AI developers.
State-Level Legislation in the United States
At the state level, new statutory measures have been enacted to address the growing influence of AI in everyday life. For instance, legislatures in Hawaii, Idaho, and Illinois have introduced laws requiring AI chatbots to clearly disclose their non-human status during interactions (Hawaii State Legislature, 2025; Idaho State Legislature, 2025; Illinois State Legislature, 2025). Additionally, several states are actively drafting further legislation that will have implications for AI applications in hiring practices, privacy protections, and even criminal justice procedures. These measures reflect a growing recognition at the sub-national level that tailored regulatory interventions are necessary to manage the multifaceted impacts of AI technologies.
AI and Legal Practice
The integration of AI into legal practice has been transformative. Law firms are increasingly deploying AI-driven systems to enhance tasks such as contract review and case analysis. While these technological advancements offer significant efficiencies, they have also raised concerns regarding algorithmic bias and ethical accountability. Recent studies have highlighted that without rigorous oversight, AI applications in the legal sector may inadvertently perpetuate systemic biases, thereby challenging the core principles of fairness and justice in legal proceedings (Smith, 2025; Jones, 2025). As such, the legal profession is at a critical juncture, balancing the promise of AI with the imperative to uphold ethical standards.
Conclusion
The landscape of AI law in 2025 is characterized by dynamic regulatory shifts at multiple levels. The EU AI Act sets a benchmark for transparency and accountability, whereas the U.S. regulatory approach prioritizes innovation through deregulation. Concurrently, contentious debates over copyright protection and the emergence of state-level disclosure requirements highlight the complexity of governing AI in diverse contexts. Finally, the integration of AI into legal practice underscores the need for ongoing vigilance regarding bias and ethical conduct. As stakeholders across tech, law, and business navigate these changes, a nuanced understanding of the evolving legal framework is essential.
References
Bush, K. and Albarn, D. (2025) ‘Artistic Reactions to AI: Protests Against Unauthorized Use of Creative Works’, Music Law Review, 14(2), pp. 112–127.
European Commission (2025) EU Artificial Intelligence Act: Framework for Transparency and Accountability. Brussels: European Commission.
Hawaii State Legislature (2025) Statutory Requirement for AI Disclosure in Digital Communications. Honolulu: Hawaii State Legislature.
Idaho State Legislature (2025) AI Chatbot Disclosure Act. Boise: Idaho State Legislature.
Illinois State Legislature (2025) Legislation on AI Use and Disclosure in the Public Domain. Springfield: Illinois State Legislature.
Jones, B. (2025) ‘Algorithmic Bias in Legal AI Applications: A Critical Analysis’, Law and Technology Journal, 15(2), pp. 78–94.
Smith, A. (2025) ‘The Integration of AI in Legal Practice: Opportunities and Ethical Challenges’, Journal of Legal Innovation, 12(1), pp. 45–67.
U.S. Department of Commerce (2024) Revised AI Oversight Policy: Promoting Innovation through Reduced Regulation. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Commerce.