Top Democrat proposes new AI regulatory agency.

Leading House Democrat Calls for Proper Regulation of Artificial Intelligence

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), one of the ⁣vice chairs ​of ​the New ​Democratic Coalition’s A.I. Working Group, is eagerly watching the ​development ‌of artificial intelligence (AI) but remains uncertain about⁤ the availability of effective regulatory tools. Beyer, a Virginia Democrat, has taken significant ⁤steps to understand the technology, including going ‌back to school. The working group, representing over 100 Democrats in the House, aims to develop bipartisan policies to ensure the responsible ‌use of AI. Beyer emphasizes ‌the ⁢need for⁤ proper guidelines to ensure the ⁢safety and usefulness of this technology for all.

Debate ⁢on Regulation

According to Beyer, the AI⁢ community is already ‌making remarkable progress without much assistance from Congress. However, from a governmental standpoint, the concern lies⁢ in establishing⁣ necessary guardrails. The tech industry is divided ​on the best‌ approach to regulate AI. Some⁣ advocate for the creation of a new ​agency, while others​ argue that existing tools ‍are sufficient, as AI addresses old ‌problems⁣ using new ⁣technology.

Beyer supports the​ establishment of‌ a dedicated agency to handle AI regulation. He suggests‍ that the National ⁤Institute ⁣of Standards and Technology, ⁣with its comprehensive protocols on AI usage, could be the best existing agency for this purpose. However, it lacks⁣ the ⁢authority to regulate or penalize companies that fail to comply with the protocols and guardrails.

Beyer also⁤ expresses skepticism about​ companies self-regulating. Although seven companies have signed agreements with the White House to ⁤adopt ethical guidelines for AI training, Beyer believes these‍ agreements are insufficient. He‍ argues that a separate regulatory ⁤agency is necessary and suggests the possibility of ​a “Geneva Convention‍ on artificial intelligence,” emphasizing the need for national policies before⁣ addressing⁢ international concerns.

Legislation and Future Outlook

As​ Congress ‍reconvenes in September, ‍it⁤ will consider various bills​ related to AI regulation. These bills range from establishing‌ task forces to ‌banning‍ AI access to nuclear weapons. While House Leadership is eager to regulate AI, other‍ legislation takes priority, such as ⁢keeping the government open. However, Beyer⁤ is confident ⁤that AI-related legislation ‍will pass by the end ‍of ⁣the year. Senate Majority⁢ Leader Chuck Schumer shares similar sentiments and has organized briefings and hearings for Senators to familiarize themselves with ‌the future of ​AI.

The New Democratic Coalition’s‌ A.I. working group, led by Beyer ⁢and ⁤other representatives, was announced on August 16. Beyer’s unique ​qualifications,‌ including his​ pursuit of a⁣ Master’s Degree in machine learning, make​ him well-suited for‌ this role.