Two bipartisan bills on AI have been introduced in the US Senate, aiming to regulate and oversee the development and use of AI in the public sector.
The AI in Government Act of 2020 would require US government agencies to be transparent when using AI to interact with people, such as chatbots or facial recognition, and to create a way for people to appeal any decisions made by AI.
The National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 would establish an office to determine if the US is remaining competitive in the latest technologies, such as quantum computing and biotechnology, and direct the President to implement a National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Initiative, which would support various activities related to AI innovation and education.
Hot Take
I think these bills are positive steps towards addressing the opportunities and challenges of AI in the US government, as they would help ensure that the government uses AI in a responsible and accountable manner, respecting the rights and interests of the citizens, and that the US maintains its leadership and competitiveness in AI and other strategic technologies, fostering economic growth and national security.
I also think that these bills should not only focus on the public sector, but also consider the implications of AI for the private sector and the society at large. I think there should be more collaboration and dialogue between different stakeholders, such as industry, academia, civil society, and international partners, to ensure alignment and cooperation on AI standards, best practices, and ethics.