US Senators Propose Regulatory Framework for AI Like ChatGPT
As Congress attempts to catch up with artificial intelligence (AI) products on the market, a bipartisan duo of senators has set out a new framework to serve as a blueprint for new bills which want to target the technology.
The Framework
Democrat Richard Blumenthal and Republican Josh Hawley have launched a legislative framework set to guide future bills regulating AI.
The senators have suggested the creation of an independent federal office to oversee AI technology. The office would facilitate the licensing and auditing of tech companies which wish to develop AI. Under such arrangement, companies would have to test and then disclose the potential harm of the deployed AI product.
Furthermore, the framework suggests that tech companies should disclose details of the data they have used for the creation and training of their AI models. This would also allow customers harmed by the models to bring the creators to court.
Reasons behind the Crackdown
Since the launch of ChatGPT in November, governments across the world have been attempting to catch up and regulate AI products emerging on the market.
AI is undoubtedly the biggest technological challenge to have emerged in recent history. While many of its uses are beneficial, especially to the business world, its legal ramifications range from intellectual property infringements to data protection concerns and liability issues.
Therefore, governments and institutions are trying to reign in the release of these products and properly scrutinise tech companies and the ways in which they create their AI models. The European Union’s upcoming AI Act is another example of this.
Furthermore, even AI experts and leaders, such as OpenAI’s Sam Altman, have expressed a desire to crack down on this technology and regulate its release on the market.
Next steps
The suggestions by the bipartisan duo may prove influential in the coming days and weeks as hearings, debates and discussions intensify in Washington.
This includes a series of hearings held during the w/c 11th September, with representatives from companies such as Microsoft and Nvidia. Conversations revolved around holding businesses and governments accountable for the deployment of AI systems that harm people or violate their rights.
More hearings on the subject are expected, signalling the introduction of legislative action against AI.
Conclusion
In summary, Senators Blumenthal’s and Hawley's bipartisan framework is a significant event towards regulating AI. It outlines key measures such as creating an oversight office, requiring harm disclosure, and transparency over AI data. Similarly, the hearings held so far are an important starting point for discussions on AI accountability.
By Scott Hickman