‘Operating From a Position of Delusion’: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger Slammed After Issuing Directive Against AI

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger recently issued a new executive directive to improve the state's cybersecurity in response to threats from artificial intelligence (AI). However, the announcement did not receive a fully positive response on social media, as some people criticized the governor's decision.

The news was first shared on the Virginia governor's official X account. Spanberger said that AI was developing too quickly and that leaders needed to work together to address cybersecurity threats. She explained that advances in technology were making cyberattacks cheaper and easier to carry out.

She also criticized the federal government and Congress for not doing enough to address these dangers. She said that this was only the beginning of efforts to improve Virginia's security.

Executive Directive 6 tells Virginia's Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security and the state's AI Task Force to hold regular meetings with AI companies, researchers, and regulators. Their goal is to study the risks and develop ways to reduce them.

Spanberger's New Directive Sparks Skepticism

Although the directive was meant to help protect Virginia from cyberattacks, the announcement received a poor response, with most comments on X being negative. Users raised concerns about several issues, including taxes. One user wrote, “Are you raising our taxes for that as you did on everything else”

Others complained that her message did not match her actions. One person wrote, “And yet you continue your rapid expansion of data centers. The mixed messaging continues. Do you even know what you stand for?”

Some people felt that Spanberger kept announcing plans to look for solutions instead of taking direct action. One user wrote, “Once again you announce the forming of a committee to develop a plan as if it’s actual action.”

Some people also doubted whether the plan would work. One user wrote, “Solid first step, but she’s still operating from a position of delusion if she really believes that Congressional action could prevent cyberattacks. You can’t stop open source models any more than you can stop peer-to-peer file sharing. Defense is all there is.”

Not everyone reacted negatively, however. One person wrote, “Good to see at least one Governor saying this!”

It is still unclear how the plan will affect Virginia's cybersecurity as technology continues to develop and create new risks to public safety.