We are proud to announce that Prof. Nitin Agarwal, Founding Director of the COSMOS Research Center and Jerry L. Maulden-Entergy Endowed Chair and Donaghey Distinguished Professor of Information Science at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, was recently featured in The Baltimore Sun in an article titled “Maryland lawmakers prepare to rein in and unleash AI” by Jeff Barker, published on October 13, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
The article explores how Maryland lawmakers are preparing new legislation to both regulate and advance artificial intelligence technologies within the state. As AI continues to transform industries such as healthcare, education, and public administration, policymakers are seeking ways to balance innovation with accountability. The story sheds light on the growing need for ethical guidelines, transparency, and safeguards that ensure AI systems serve the public interest without amplifying bias or information campaigns.
Prof. Agarwal was invited to share his expert perspective on these pressing issues, drawing from his extensive research in social computing, network science, and cognitive security. In the article, he emphasized the importance of developing evidence-based policies and interdisciplinary collaborations between government, academia, and industry to foster responsible AI innovation. He also highlighted how AI can be both a powerful enabler and a potential disruptor, underscoring the urgency of creating frameworks that encourage creativity and growth while maintaining oversight and trust.
Prof. Agarwal said, “Congress should establish a federal framework or set of guiding principles that promotes safety, transparency, and accountability while providing a consistent baseline across the nation. That said, a one-size-fits-all approach at the federal level may not fully capture the diverse needs and priorities of individual states. States should retain flexibility to tailor policies that reflect their unique economic ecosystems, workforce capabilities, and innovation priorities.
This dual approach—federal guidance with state adaptability—would allow for both national coherence and local experimentation. It would ensure that core ethical and safety standards are upheld nationwide while empowering states like Arkansas and others to develop AI strategies aligned with their specific industries, research strengths, and talent pipelines.”
Prof. Agarwal serves on the Arkansas’ AI Taskforce appointed by Governor Sarah Sanders.Prof. Agarwal’s inclusion in The Baltimore Sun reflects national recognition of his leadership in advancing research on AI ethics, online influence, and information integrity. It also demonstrates the impact of COSMOS’s ongoing efforts to translate academic insights into real-world policy conversations. Through his engagement, Prof. Agarwal continues to position COSMOS and UA Little Rock at the forefront of shaping how AI technologies are studied, understood, and governed in society.