Congressmen emphasize the need for US leadership in AI while staying vigilant against potential risks.
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has world leaders questioning how to harness its potential for good while minimizing harm to society.
Representatives Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) and Ken Buck (R-Colo.) are optimistic about achieving this balance. In the first episode of “Civil Discourse,” a joint production of The Epoch Times and NTD News, they discussed their bipartisan efforts to leverage AI for societal benefit.
“We both believe that AI has helped society and will continue to do so,” Mr. Lieu emphasized during the interview.
“We want America to lead in artificial intelligence,” he added. ”However, we also want to mitigate any significant risks that could harm people.”
To address these concerns, the lawmakers have collaborated on two bills focused on AI regulation and responsible usage. The first is the National AI Commission Act, which proposes the establishment of a bipartisan panel of experts to assess AI risks and make regulatory recommendations.
“Our aim is to provide specific regulatory guidance while maintaining a light touch from Congress,” Mr. Buck explained.
“We want to encourage AI innovation without stifling it,” he continued. “As a country, we are at the forefront of this technology.”
In September, prominent tech experts gathered on Capitol Hill for an AI Insight Forum hosted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). The closed-door summit aimed to inform lawmakers about AI regulation, but progress in terms of policy was limited.
Mr. Lieu expressed the need for a more transparent process, stating, “While closed-door hearings are valuable, the American public deserves to know what is being discussed.”
“That’s why we believe the commission bill is crucial—it ensures full transparency,” he added.
Some tech leaders, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, have suggested the creation of a federal agency dedicated to AI oversight. However, Mr. Buck expressed reservations, cautioning that such an agency could be influenced by tech companies and other AI-dependent organizations.
“They want to create something new that they can control,” he argued.
Mr. Lieu, on the other hand, remained open to various regulatory approaches. His primary concern was equipping regulators with the necessary knowledge and expertise to address evolving AI risks.
Risks and Concerns
One of the most significant concerns surrounding AI is its potential for destruction, particularly in areas where human judgment is critical.
This is especially crucial during wartime, as Mr. Lieu emphasized, “We must never allow AI to autonomously launch weapons. A single error could lead to devastating consequences.”
With this in mind, the congressmen collaborated on the Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Act. The bill asserts that the decision to launch nuclear weapons should not be made by AI and prohibits the use of federal funds for autonomous weapons systems lacking “meaningful human control.”
Mr. Buck proposed extending this policy to non-nuclear weapons as well, highlighting the unpredictability of AI in initiating conflicts.
The congressmen also stressed the need to address other AI risks, such as deep-fakes and potential misuse by malicious actors.
Regarding the latter, Mr. Buck emphasized the importance of the United States leading in AI to prevent nations like China from exploiting the technology.
“Given China’s cybercrimes and targeting of the United States, it’s crucial that we outpace them in AI development,” he asserted. “We need an AI system to counter their hacking attempts and protect Americans.”
Despite the risks, both congressmen expressed confidence in the potential of AI for societal advancement.
“While there are fears, we must not let them hinder us from harnessing this remarkable technology,” Mr. Buck concluded.
How can an independent agency provide the necessary expertise and oversight to effectively regulate AI?
S open to the idea, noting that an independent agency could provide the necessary expertise and oversight to regulate AI effectively.
The second bill introduced by Lieu and Buck is the Artificial Intelligence in Government Act. This bill focuses on promoting the responsible and ethical use of AI within the federal government. It would establish an AI Center of Excellence within the General Services Administration to support and coordinate AI initiatives across government agencies.
“We want to ensure that the federal government is using AI ethically and responsibly,” Mr. Lieu stated. “This bill will help provide the necessary guidance and infrastructure to achieve that.”
The bipartisan efforts of Lieu and Buck highlight the recognition of the potential of AI while acknowledging the importance of mitigating its risks. By proposing legislation for the regulation and responsible use of AI, they aim to strike a balance that allows for innovation and societal benefit without compromising safety and privacy.
As the development of AI continues at a rapid pace, it is crucial for lawmakers and policymakers to proactively address its potential impact on society. The collaboration between Republicans and Democrats on this issue demonstrates the recognition of the bipartisan nature of the AI challenge.
In conclusion, the rapid development of artificial intelligence brings both opportunities and concerns. Representatives Ted Lieu and Ken Buck are working together to harness the potential benefits of AI while minimizing harm to society. Through their bipartisan efforts and the introduction of two bills focused on AI regulation and responsible usage, they aim to create a balanced approach that fosters innovation while ensuring the protection of individuals and the transparency of decision-making processes. With the collaboration and engagement of government officials, tech leaders, and experts, it is possible to unlock the vast potential of AI while safeguarding the well-being and interests of society as a whole.
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