Amid increased interest in tackling challenges related to the technology, US senators on Thursday filed two distinct, bipartisan artificial intelligence legislation. One would mandate openness from the US government when utilizing AI to communicate with citizens, and another would create a unit to assess whether the country is still a leader in cutting-edge technology. As AI becomes more prevalent, lawmakers are starting to think about what additional regulations might be required. This year’s technology gained notoriety when ChatGPT, an AI program that can respond to textual inquiries, became widely accessible.
Bill seeks to create the Office of Global Competition Analysis, which would work to keep the United States at the forefront of artificial intelligence development
Senators Mike Braun and James Lankford, both Republicans and Senator Gary Peters, a Democrat who chairs the Homeland Security Committee, have filed legislation requiring U.S. government entities to notify citizens when they use AI to engage with them. A mechanism for humans to challenge any judgments made by AI must be developed by agencies, according to the bill. Braun said in a statement that “the federal government needs to be proactive and transparent with AI utilization and ensure that decisions are not being made without humans in the driver’s seat.”
Together with Republican Senator Todd Young, Democrats Michael Bennet and Mark Warner sponsored a bill that would create the Office of Global Competition Analysis, which would work to keep the United States at the forefront of artificial intelligence development. “We cannot afford to lose our competitive edge in strategic technologies like semiconductors, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence to competitors like China,” Bennet said.
Sen. Chuck Schumer, the majority leader in the Senate, announced earlier this week that he had planned three briefings on artificial intelligence for senators, including the first secret briefing on the subject. The briefings cover a broad overview of AI, how to attain American leadership in AI, and a confidential session on ramifications for defense and intelligence.