U.S. senators have introduced two bipartisan bills to address issues related to artificial intelligence (AI) and ensure the country remains competitive in the field. One of the bills, led by Democrat Senator Gary Peters, Republican Senators Mike Braun, and James Lankford, focuses on transparency in AI use by the U.S. government. It requires government agencies to disclose when utilizing AI to interact with individuals. The bill also includes provisions for establishing an appeals process for decisions made by AI systems.
Senator Braun emphasized the need for proactive and transparent AI utilization, ensuring humans control decision-making. The bill aims to keep the government accountable and prevent the undue influence of AI algorithms.
The second bill, introduced by Democrat Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Warner and Republican Senator Todd Young, seeks to establish an Office of Global Competition Analysis. This office would focus on maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum computing. The goal is to prevent the loss of the country’s competitive edge to rivals like China.
Senator Bennet emphasized the importance of strategic technologies and the need to stay ahead in areas critical to national security and economic growth.
Growing interest in AI regulations
The introduction of these bills comes as governments worldwide are recognizing the need to adapt policies and regulations to address the rapid growth of AI technology. In the United States, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has scheduled briefings on AI for senators, including a classified session on defense and intelligence issues.
Lawmakers are grappling with the challenges and implications of AI, including the need for American leadership in the field and mitigating potential risks. Industry leaders, such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, have emphasized the importance of collaboration between AI companies and regulators to establish guidelines and frameworks for responsible AI development and deployment.
In the UK, the government is also working on proposing regulatory solutions for AI and plans to host a global summit on AI safety. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a collaboration with the United States on AI safety during a joint press conference with President Joe Biden.
The growing awareness of AI’s benefits and potential harms has prompted lawmakers to seek ways to harness its advantages while addressing concerns about bias, misinformation, and transparency in its use.
