Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is taking action to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) by launching a new effort called the SAFE (Security, Accountability, Foundations, Explain) Innovation Framework. In a speech at a Washington think tank, Schumer emphasized the need to strike a balance between economic competitiveness and safety in the AI industry. While the plan does not provide specific policy requests or define the boundaries of AI, it aims to address various risks associated with AI, including national security, job loss, misinformation, bias, and copyright.
Schumer expressed his belief that AI has the potential to be a spectacular innovation that can ignite a new era of technological advancement, scientific discovery, and industrial might. He stressed the importance of encouraging innovation while ensuring its safety. He recognized that if people do not believe that innovation can be done safely, it could hinder the development of AI and prevent progress in this field.
Unlike previous struggles to regulate the tech industry, Schumer argues that AI presents new threats that require urgent attention from lawmakers. To expedite the process of creating AI rules, Schumer plans to convene “AI Insight Forums,” bringing together experts and lawmakers to collaborate on forming effective regulations. He emphasizes the need for opposing views and encourages all ideas to be considered, recognizing that the issue of AI is still new and requires comprehensive discussion.
Currently, it is unclear who Schumer plans to invite to these forums. In May, lawmakers invited ChatGPT CEO Sam Altman for a hearing to learn more about the AI industry and its potential risks. The event was more friendly and cooperative compared to past tech hearings, as Altman agreed with many of the proposed reforms. However, this cooperation has raised concerns among experts who fear regulatory capture as companies like OpenAI lobby for weaker AI regulations in the European Union.
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Schumer’s plan aligns with the White House’s stance on AI. After meeting with CEOs from ChatGPT, Google, and Microsoft, Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized these companies’ responsibility to ensure the safety of their products. President Joe Biden also met with AI experts to discuss the enormous promise and risk of AI. They recognize the significant impact AI has on American life, often in unnoticed ways, and highlight the need for appropriate safeguards.
However, regulating AI poses challenges, as seen with previous attempts to regulate other forms of technology. Privacy and liability issues have divided lawmakers in recent years. Some legislators, like Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Josh Hawley, have proposed bills that clarify the application of Section 230 (which protects platforms from being sued for user-generated content) to AI-generated content. Other bills, such as Sen. Michael Bennet’s ASSESS AI Act, aim to review federal agencies’ AI policies and make recommendations for future legislation. In the House, Reps. Ted Lieu and Ken Buck have introduced a bill to establish a federal commission responsible for recommending and establishing new AI rules.
In conclusion, Schumer’s efforts to regulate AI through the SAFE Innovation Framework reflect the need to balance economic competitiveness and safety in this rapidly advancing field. By convening AI Insight Forums and encouraging diverse perspectives, Schumer aims to create effective regulations to address the potential risks associated with AI. However, the challenges of regulating AI, such as privacy and liability issues, remain complex and divisive among lawmakers. Collaborative efforts from government, industry experts, and researchers will be crucial in shaping the future of AI regulation.
