Massachusetts Lawmakers Propose $15 Monthly "AI Tax" on Smartphone Owners to Fund Retraining Programs Here’s What You Need to Know
A new bill quietly introduced in the Massachusetts State House is sparking heated debate online, with claims that residents could soon face a mandatory $15 monthly fee simply for owning a smartphone. The proposed tax, touted as an "Artificial Intelligence Dividend," would fund retraining programs for workers displaced by automation.
Proponents argue that since AI-powered apps and services run on citizens' devices, a small recurring fee could generate billions to prevent mass unemployment. Critics, however, are calling it an unconstitutional tech levy and a violation of privacy rights.
Verification: This is *false* and *misleading*. No such bill has been formally filed or debated in the Massachusetts legislature. While there have been scattered academic discussions about funding universal basic income via data taxes, no concrete proposal exists. The rumor appears to have originated from a satirical news site and recirculated on social media as fact.
Real vs. Fake: **FAKE**. There is no ongoing or proposed legislation in Massachusetts imposing a smartphone tax for AI retraining. Always verify local bills via the official Massachusetts Legislature website.