According to a report from Axios, the House of Representatives has implemented new rules regarding the use of ChatGPT in congressional offices. The rules state that only ChatGPT Plus, the paid version of the chatbot, can be used, as it offers enhanced privacy features. The product is limited to “research and evaluation” purposes, with privacy settings enabled. It is also prohibited to paste any non-public blocks of text into the service.
This decision by the House follows the lead of private companies like Samsung and Apple, who have restricted or banned the use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. These companies have expressed concerns about the potential leakage of confidential data through these tools. Previous privacy issues with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, have added to these concerns. For example, there was a bug that temporarily exposed users’ chat histories to each other.
In a memo on Monday, House Chief Administrative Chief Catherine L. Szpindor stated that no other versions of ChatGPT or similar AI software are currently authorized for use in the House. This restriction shows the House’s cautious approach towards AI technologies due to the potential privacy and security risks they pose.
The House’s announcement coincides with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s call for the passage of new legislation to regulate the artificial intelligence industry. Schumer has highlighted AI’s potential risks to national security and job loss and emphasized the need to encourage safe innovation without stifling progress. He recognizes AI as a groundbreaking innovation that could usher in a new era of technological advancement, scientific discovery, and industrial might.
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Lawmakers in both the Senate and the House have already introduced several bills this year to regulate the AI industry. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Josh Hawley recently proposed a measure that would subject AI companies to legal liability by excluding them from the protection of Section 230. The House and Senate have also been engaging in conversations with prominent figures in the industry, including Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, who created ChatGPT. Altman was warmly welcomed during a Senate hearing in May, indicating a willingness to collaborate and address concerns regarding AI regulation.
Overall, these developments in Congress reflect the growing importance of regulating AI technologies and addressing the potential risks associated with their use. Both private companies and government institutions are recognizing the need for safeguards to protect privacy, prevent data leaks, and promote responsible innovation in the AI industry. By implementing rules around the use of ChatGPT and engaging in legislative discussions, Congress aims to strike a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring the safety and security of AI applications.
