HTTP Submits Comments on AI Regulatory Reform to the White House
On October 27, 2025, Hispanic Technology and Telecommunications Partnerships (HTTP) submitted comments for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s (OSTP) Request for Information on Regulatory Reform for Artificial Intelligence (AI). Our comments present a framework for responsible and inclusive AI regulation which ensures that Hispanic communities are not left behind in the AI economy.
As AI reshapes the economy, the urgency of guaranteeing responsible access to all communities has never been greater. Our comments emphasize that America’s AI leadership depends on policy frameworks that protect civil rights, strengthen workforce readiness, and expand access to AI opportunities for small businesses and communities nationwide.
Earlier this year, in response to another Office of Science and Technology Policy’s (OSTP) Request for Information on the development of an artificial intelligence action plan, HTTP submitted formal comments which focused on advancing an open and competitive AI economy that empowers small businesses to participate fully in the AI era. We emphasized the importance of policies which expand access to affordable and open AI tools, prevent monopolistic control over data and infrastructure, and ensure transparency and consumer protection without imposing excessive compliance costs. Additionally, we called for investments in workforce training, AI literacy, and cybersecurity, as well as stronger public-private partnerships to give small enterprises a voice in shaping standards and regulations. Together, these measures promote responsible innovation while safeguarding economic opportunity and trust across all communities.
While our formal submission addressed specific regulatory questions, this blog continues the conversation on exploring fundamental aspects of AI policy that we believe warrant ongoing dialogue with policymakers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders.
Building the Foundation for AI Literacy and Connectivity
HTTP’s comments highlight the urgent need to accelerate BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) funding, not only to expand broadband access but also to support non-deployment investments such as digital literacy, regulatory preparedness, and community-level data governance training.
A robust AI strategy begins with reliable connectivity and access to the skills to use technology safely and effectively. We call for BEAD’s resources to help communities modernize data systems, pilot innovative infrastructure, and train regulators and local officials in privacy and algorithmic accountability. This ensures that broadband deployment and AI adoption move forward hand in hand.
Protecting Student Privacy in the Age of AI-Drive Education
In our October comments, HTTP emphasized privacy data as an important future regulatory framework especially as AI becomes deeply embedded in K-12 education, protecting student privacy must remain a cornerstone of responsible innovation.
AI-enabled platforms are now being used across the country to facilitate classroom instruction but as these programs collect data there has to be careful oversight of how it is stored and who has access to it. Parents, educators, and students often lack clear information about what data is collected, creating a trust gap that undermines confidence in new AI-powered learning tools.
To address this challenge, a modern regulatory framework must pair strong safeguards with flexible implementation. Key priorities must include:
Data minimization: ensuring only information essential to learning is collected and retained;
Clear, consistent consent framework: enabling parents to make informed decisions and revoke consent when necessary;
Purpose limitation: restricting the use of educational data strictly to learning-related outcomes.
Transparency and auditability: requiring clear, plain-language disclosures (and in multilingual formats)
Proportional oversight: one that protects students’ rights without placing undue burdens on educators or small edtech providers.
Together, these principles establish a balanced approach: protecting students’ privacy while allowing AI to responsibly enhance educational opportunity.
Expanding Access and Competition in the AI Economy
AI innovation is currently concentrated among large enterprises with extensive resources and proprietary data. To ensure increased access to the benefits of AI, policies should promote open-source development, AI-as-a–service models, and affordable cloud-based tools designed for small businesses. At the same time, regulation must prevent monopolistic control over AI infrastructure and data by enforcing interoperability standards and discouraging restrictive practices that can limit competition. Government-backed AI innovation hubs and incentives for startup collaboration can further democratize access and strengthen the U.S.leadership in a competitive AI economy.
Building Consumer Trust Through Transparent and Responsible AI
Public confidence in AI depends on clear consumer protections and transparency standards. Policymakers should require labeling of AI-generated products, ensure clarity around how consumer data is used, and uphold strong privacy protections. Frameworks for fairness and accountability should be designed to protect consumers without imposing excessive compliance costs on small businesses. Balanced, risk-based approaches that scale regulatory requirements according to the size and impact of an enterprise can help foster both trust and innovation in the marketplace.
Investing in Workforce Readiness and Digital Empowerment
AI will reshape nearly every sector of the economy, and its benefits must extend beyond large enterprises. Federal and state governments should invest in workforce training, AI literacy, and reskilling initiatives, particularly for small business owners, employees, and underrepresented communities. Expanding access to AI education will help prevent displacement, close the digital divide, and ensure that all workers have the opportunity to thrive in an AI-enabled economy.
Strengthening Partnership and Security for Small Businesses
Effective AI governance requires collaboration across sectors. Public-private partnerships between governments, industry, startups, and academia can ensure that small businesses have a meaningful voice in shaping AI standards and regulations. Additionally, targeted support for AI-driven cybersecurity and fraud-prevention tools will help small enterprises defend against growing digital threats. By combining partnerships, innovation, and practical safeguards, policymakers can create a more secure and resilient AI ecosystem.
Establishing an AI Harm Reporting and Accountability System
There is a growing need for a coordinated mechanism to report and track AI-related harms, particularly for individuals and small businesses. A centralized AI incident reporting system or repository would provide a trusted channel for documenting risks, misuse, or unintended consequences. Such a system would not only support accountability and transparency but also help policymakers, developers, and communities identify patterns of harm and inform improvements to AI governance.
Looking Ahead
The Administration now has a defining opportunity to craft an AI regulatory framework that reflects American innovation and American values balancing safety, fairness, and competitiveness. As HTTP emphasized in our submission:
“Privacy protections, agile workforce strategies, safeguards rooted in civil liberties, and removing barriers to AI adoption by small businesses are mutually reinforcing pillars of a sustainable AI future.”
HTTP stands ready to partner with federal agencies, industry, and civil society to ensure AI works for everyone.
About HTTP
Founded in 1996, the Hispanic Technology and Telecommunications Partnership (HTTP) is a nonpartisan coalition of national Latino organizations advocating for access, adoption, and full participation in the digital economy. Learn more at www.httppolicy.org.
Join the Movement
Help us ensure every community has a voice in shaping the future of technology. Your contribution supports our ongoing work in digital inclusion, AI policy, and equitable tech access nationwide.
Donate to HTTP today and power the next generation of digital empowerment and innovation.