A bipartisan group of US Senators has released a plan for how Congress should fund and regulate AI, allocating $32 billion annually for AI research outside of the military. The senators are also supporting legislation to prevent AI-fueled election interference in the form of deepfakes. This marks a significant move by the government to address the challenges posed by the rapid advancement of AI technology. The FCC has made using AI-faked robocall voices illegal, and individuals can now report these calls.
The proposed legislation represents one of the most substantial efforts by the US government to meet the challenges presented by the proliferation of AI technologies. Startups like OpenAI have become multi-billion dollar companies due to AI innovations such as ChatGPT, a chatbot that quickly gained over 100 million users within two months of its launch. AI has reshaped the tech industry at companies like Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft, which has designated 2024 as the year of the “AI PC.” Google has recently announced significant AI enhancements to its products, and Apple is expected to unveil similar AI features for its devices.
While the recommendations from the senators represent progress, they are not the only initiatives taken by the US government to address the impacts of AI. President Joe Biden issued executive orders last year directing federal agencies to address AI in various ways, and the government has been increasing its recruitment efforts in the tech industry, with a focus on AI. The group of senators emphasized that their proposals do not prevent other congressional committees or agencies from developing their own AI plans, including measures to prevent discrimination.
These developments highlight the growing recognition of the importance of regulating and funding AI research. The potential for AI technologies to disrupt various industries and society at large has prompted governments to take proactive steps to harness the benefits of AI while mitigating potential risks. With companies like Google and Apple making significant investments in AI technology, it is crucial for policymakers to ensure that AI advancements are aligned with ethical and legal standards.
The bipartisan effort to address AI regulation and funding reflects a broader trend of governments around the world recognizing the need to establish guidelines for the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. As AI continues to play a central role in shaping the future of industries and societies, collaboration between government, industry, and academia will be essential to ensure that AI is used to benefit humanity. The proposed legislation and executive actions taken by the US government signal a commitment to staying ahead of the curve in AI governance and innovation.
