Washington (CNN) Days after OpenAI CEO Sam Altman testified before Congress, proposing the creation of a new federal agency to regulate artificial intelligence, US senators have passed legislation to do just that. submitted.
On Thursday, Colorado Democratic Senator Michael Bennett unveiled an updated version of the bill he introduced last year to create a federal Digital Platforms Commission.
The latest bill, reviewed by CNN, makes a number of changes to more specifically target AI products, including amending the definition of a digital platform to include companies that offer “content generated primarily by algorithmic processes.” It is
In a statement, Bennett said, “There is no reason why the biggest tech companies on the planet should be less regulated than small businesses in Colorado. “We’re seeing this negatively impacting the mental health of children without exposure.” “Technology is advancing faster than Congress hopes to keep up. We can defend the American people and ensure that AI tools and digital platforms work for the public good.” We need expert federal agencies.”
The revised bill expands the definition of algorithmic processes, making it clear that the proposed commission will have jurisdiction over the use of personal data for content generation and decision-making. The two main applications are OpenAI’s viral chatbot, ChatGPT.
And for the most important platforms (companies the bill calls “systemically important”), the bill would create requirements for algorithmic audits and public risk assessments of the harm the tools could cause.
The bill maintains existing language that requires the commission to ensure that the platform’s algorithms are “fair, transparent and secure.” And under the bill, the commission would continue to have broad oversight powers over social media sites, search engines and other online platforms.
But the increased emphasis on AI underscores how rapidly Congress is gearing up for policymaking on the cutting edge of technology it is desperate to understand. Following Altman’s testimony this week, the debate over whether the U.S. government should create a separate federal agency to crack down on AI tools could be a key focus of those efforts.
At a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Altman suggested that these agencies could restrict how AI is developed through licensing and certifications to AI companies. Some lawmakers seemed to like the idea, with Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy even asking Mr. Altman if he was open to serving as chairman.
“I love my job,” Altman stammers, prompting laughter from the audience.
Bennett’s aides said Thursday’s bill does not explicitly provide for such a licensing program, but directs commission candidates to develop appropriate rules to oversee the industry. Bennett’s office did not consult with OpenAI on either the original bill or Thursday’s revised version.
But some lawmakers are embracing the idea of a regulator focused on internet companies, which could clash with existing law enforcement agencies like the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission, but would create an entirely new regulator. Some lawmakers have warned of the potential risks of creating one. Officials.
Gary Marcus, a professor at New York University and a self-professed critic of AI “hype”, told lawmakers at Tuesday’s hearing that another agency is “regulatory catch” a term used to describe having a strong influence). Made to hold them accountable.
Connecticut Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, the former state attorney general who prosecuted the consumer protection case, said no agency can be effective without proper support.
“I’ve been doing something like this for a while,” Blumenthal said. “He can set up ten new institutions, but if you don’t give them the resources, I’m not just talking about money, I’m talking about scientific expertise.” [industry] will circle around them. “
