The White House is taking substantial strides in the arena of artificial intelligence (AI) as it recognizes the rapidly evolving technology’s potential impacts on the nation. In response to the increasing prominence of AI and chatbots, the White House Chief of Staff’s office is engaged in regular meetings to devise strategies for the federal government to ensure the safe use of AI.
These discussions are part of a broader initiative to understand and regulate the diverse effects of AI on society, economy, and national security. Conversations have been described as “extremely engaged” with a balance of recognizing both the constructive and potential negative implications of the technology. This approach reflects a commitment to stewarding AI’s integration into society responsibly.
Building on an existing “Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights,” the administration’s next steps aim to ensure privacy, equity, and guard against algorithmic discrimination in the context of AI use. The blueprint also emphasizes the importance of data protection and the need for human alternatives to AI abilities. Additionally, an executive order was signed by President Biden directing federal agencies to eliminate biases in new technologies.
Interestingly, the push for AI regulation has intensified significantly in the past year, following the release of ChatGPT by OpenAI. As a chatbot capable of performing a wide range of tasks, from passing exams to writing emails and computer code, it quickly gained over 100 million active monthly users, leading to calls for AI regulation by Sam Altman, OpenAI’s founder.
In conjunction with ChatGPT, other generative AI platforms capable of creating photos, audio recordings, and video clips have seen a significant increase in use. While these platforms could enhance worker productivity, they could also potentially displace jobs.
Despite the urgency, the ability of lawmakers to enact appropriate legislation is being questioned due to a general lack of expertise on the topic and potential outcomes of laws. In an attempt to address this, lawmakers are introducing a bill to form a commission that will strategize around regulating AI.
Internationally, the U.S. is playing catch-up, with both China and the EU having passed legislation or set rules to regulate AI. Certain states, such as Colorado, have already taken steps to regulate AI, passing laws requiring insurance companies to test algorithms for bias.
In the political arena, concerns around the potential for fake content generated by AI are growing. For example, an AI-generated debate on Twitch between Donald Trump and Biden attracted significant attention, raising questions about the possible spread of misinformation.
The Biden administration is actively working to understand and regulate AI, recognizing its potential impacts and aiming to ensure its responsible use. The ongoing discussions, legislation, and international comparisons highlight the importance of this issue as AI continues to evolve and shape our world.
