Colorado Lawmakers and Advocacy Groups Host AI Town Hall

Discussions focus on potential dangers and need for regulation of artificial intelligence technology.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

A group of people gathered at a coffee shop in Aurora, Colorado to discuss the potential dangers of artificial intelligence technology and the need for greater public education and regulation. The event featured state Representative Brianna Titone, who supports several AI-related bills in the state legislature, and Denver resident Juan Sebastián Pinto, a former AI marketer who now focuses on educating the public about AI concerns.

Why it matters

As AI technology continues to advance rapidly, there are growing concerns about how it is being used and the potential risks it poses to privacy, civil liberties, and public safety. This town hall reflects a broader push by lawmakers and advocacy groups to raise awareness and enact regulations to ensure AI is developed and deployed responsibly.

The details

The town hall featured discussions about the need for stronger regulations around law enforcement's use of AI-powered surveillance tools, as well as broader concerns about how personal data is being collected and used by AI systems. Speakers argued that without proper oversight and guardrails, AI could enable widespread monitoring and erosion of civil liberties.

  • The town hall took place on Sunday, February 16, 2026 in Aurora, Colorado.

The players

Brianna Titone

A Democratic state representative from Jefferson County, Colorado who supports multiple AI-related bills in the state legislature.

Juan Sebastián Pinto

A Denver resident who previously worked in the AI industry and now focuses on educating the public about the potential dangers of AI technology.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's not about what AI can do, it's about how you use it.”

— Brianna Titone, State Representative (cbsnews.com)

“Nothing's more important than education right now, because the nature of these evolving technologies is that they're moving so fast that we're all struggling to catch up with it.”

— Juan Sebastián Pinto (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The organizers plan to continue hosting similar town hall events to further educate the public and build support for AI regulation in Colorado.

The takeaway

This town hall highlights the growing public concern over the potential misuse of AI technology and the need for policymakers to enact robust regulations to protect civil liberties and ensure AI is developed and deployed responsibly.