By Emily Gaines Buchler
The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence are poised to impact various aspects of our lives, including how we live, work, study, and even sing. However, along with the progress in AI come challenges such as intellectual property violations, privacy concerns, election fraud, and disruptions in financial markets that occur without proper oversight. This raises the question: What kind of laws are necessary to address these issues effectively?
In a candid dialogue at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C., U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) delved into the realm of AI policy. Known for their bipartisan approach to technology policy, the senators engaged in the inaugural discussion of the Bridge occasion series. The event, aimed at exploring nonpartisan policy matters, was co-moderated by Anna Palmer, the founder and CEO of Punchbowl News, and Andrew Desiderio, a prominent legislative reporter.
Adding their expertise to the conversation were esteemed AI scholars from Johns Hopkins University, Rama Chellappa and K.T. Ramesh. As co-directors of the university’s new Data Science and Translation Institute and faculty members in the Whiting School of Engineering, they emphasized the need for legislative oversight that strikes a delicate balance between safeguarding citizens and democracy while fostering AI growth and innovation.
Both Warner and Young emphasized that AI transcends political boundaries and necessitates lawmakers’ understanding of its intricacies to tailor policies that keep pace with technological advancements.
Young underscored the importance of ensuring that existing laws are relevant in an AI-driven world, stating, “I don’t think it involves coming up with a whole bunch of new laws.” While acknowledging the need for some new regulations, he emphasized the significance of adapting current rules to the era of AI.
Warner highlighted the urgency of policies to shield society from two major threats posed by AI: the proliferation of AI deepfakes that deceive voters and the potential use of AI tools to disrupt financial markets.
The senators cited instances of deepfake manipulation, including a fabricated robocall impersonating President Biden, which underscored the need for protective measures. Warner stressed the necessity of addressing these issues promptly to prevent further harm.
In the realm of financial fraud, Warner advocated for laws that account for intent, particularly in prosecuting AI-based offenses where determining intent can be challenging. He emphasized the critical role of intellectual property rights in protecting the contributions of individuals to AI technologies.
Discussing the complexities surrounding intellectual property, Young proposed solutions such as implementing tags on websites to ensure creators receive due compensation for their work. These discussions are ongoing in both judicial and legislative forums to find viable resolutions.
Warner urged Congress to act decisively in regulating AI, drawing a comparison to the inadequate efforts in overseeing social media platforms. He emphasized the need to reform Section 230 to address issues of misinformation and extremist content that threaten democratic values.
Chellappa and Ramesh echoed the call for legislative action, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the country’s competitive edge in technology. They warned of potential repercussions if regulatory measures are not promptly established to guide AI development.
Highlighting the universal significance of AI, Ramesh stressed that the impact of AI extends to every individual, emphasizing the collective responsibility to monitor and regulate information dissemination.
Chellappa emphasized the necessity of regulation while cautioning against overregulation due to the evolving nature of AI capabilities. He likened AI to a young child, suggesting that guidance and oversight are essential to harness its potential effectively.
In conclusion, the dialogue underscored the critical need for informed and proactive legislative measures to navigate the complexities of AI advancements and their implications on society.
Image message: K.T. Ramesh, Rama Chellappa, and Anna PalmerJohns Hopkins University photo credit: Will Kirk
