Montana passes Right to Compute act (2025)

HELENA, MT — Last Thursday, Governor Greg Gianforte signed SB 212, the Montana Right to Compute Act (MRTCA), marking the state as the first in the nation to secure comprehensive rights for citizens to own and utilize computational and artificial intelligence tools. This legislation positions Montana at the forefront of safeguarding digital privacy and technology accessibility.

The newly signed law not only ensures the fundamental rights to own, access, and use computational resources but also incorporates several critical safeguards:

• Strict limits on governmental regulation wherein any restrictions must be demonstrably necessary and narrowly tailored to a compelling public safety or health interest.
• Mandatory safety protocols for AI-controlled critical infrastructure, including a shutdown mechanism and compulsory annual risk management reviews.

The initiative, propelled by advocacy from State Senator Daniel Zolnikov and organizations like the Frontier Institute, contrasts with recent restrictive legislation efforts in states like California and Virginia. Zolnikov, a noted advocate for privacy, has been instrumental in pushing for tech-friendly policies that ensure individual liberties in an evolving digital landscape.

“As governments around the world and in our own country try to crack down on individual freedom and gain state control over modern technologies,” Zolnikov said. “Montana is doing the opposite by protecting freedom and restraining the government.”

“With the passage of the Right to Compute Act, Montana has planted a flag in the ground, affirming that here, we will treat attempts to infringe on fundamental rights in the digital age with the utmost scrutiny,” remarked Tanner Avery, Policy Director at the Frontier Institute.

Rep. Keith Ammon from New Hampshire praised Montana’s initiative, stating, “Congratulations to Senator Zolnikov and the Montana Legislature for being the first to establish the ‘right to compute’ in law! I expect other states to follow your lead and protect citizens’ right to access and express themselves through computation.” This sentiment echoes the broader national movement towards similar protections, with legislative efforts underway in New Hampshire and other states.

Globally, the Right to Compute campaign, supported by groups like Haltia.AI and the ASIMOV Protocol, emphasizes the essential nature of computational access as fundamental to innovation and personal freedom. “The Right to Compute bill in Montana is a monumental step forward in ensuring that individuals retain their right to control their own data, protect their privacy, and engage with technology on their own terms,” said Talal Thabet, Co-Founder of Haltia.AI and ASIMOV Protocol.