A coalition of more than 140 organizations has come together to urge House leaders to reject a proposal in the House’s tax and spending bill that would block states from regulating artificial intelligence (AI) models for the next 10 years. In a letter sent on Monday to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and other congressional members, the coalition expressed their concerns about the potential negative impact of this proposal on the development and use of AI technology.
The coalition, which includes a diverse group of organizations ranging from tech companies to civil rights groups, believes that this proposal would hinder the progress of AI and limit its potential to benefit society. They argue that AI has the potential to revolutionize various industries and improve people’s lives in countless ways, from healthcare to transportation to education. However, this can only be achieved if AI is developed and regulated responsibly.
The proposal in question, known as the “Preventing States from Overregulating Artificial Intelligence Act”, would prohibit states from creating their own regulations for AI models for the next 10 years. This means that states would not be able to address any potential risks or biases in AI technology, leaving it up to the federal government to regulate. The coalition argues that this would create a regulatory vacuum and could lead to the unchecked development and use of AI, which could have serious consequences for society.
In their letter, the coalition points out that AI technology is not immune to bias and can perpetuate existing inequalities and discrimination if not regulated properly. They cite examples of AI systems that have been found to be biased against certain groups, such as facial recognition software that has been shown to have higher error rates for people of color and women. This highlights the need for states to have the ability to regulate AI models to ensure they are fair and ethical.
Furthermore, the coalition argues that states have a crucial role to play in regulating AI, as they are closer to the communities that will be affected by this technology. They understand the unique needs and concerns of their citizens and are better equipped to create regulations that reflect those needs. By blocking states from regulating AI, this proposal would take away their ability to protect their citizens and ensure the responsible development and use of AI.
The coalition also raises concerns about the potential impact of this proposal on innovation and competition. By limiting states’ ability to regulate AI, it could stifle competition and innovation in the AI industry. This could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the development of AI but also for the economy as a whole.
In conclusion, the coalition urges House leaders to reject this proposal and instead work towards a comprehensive and responsible approach to regulating AI. They believe that this can only be achieved through collaboration between federal and state governments, as well as input from a diverse group of stakeholders. By working together, we can ensure that AI is developed and used in a way that benefits society and promotes fairness and equality for all. Let us not hinder the potential of AI, but rather embrace it and regulate it responsibly for the betterment of our society.
