The AI genie is out of the bottle, and the entire world is recognizing just how powerful and beneficial artificial intelligence can be. From improving the efficiency of healthcare to making driverless cars a reality, the applications of AI are seemingly endless. But, as quickly as it is advancing, the malicious acts of cybercriminals, backed by powerful nation-states, are undoubtedly building their own generative AI replicas, prompting concerns among experts as to what could happen if a runaway AI wreaks havoc on our society.
This topic becomes even more pressing when considering America’s fervent competition with other nations to stay ahead in the AI race. To this end, top government officials and leading tech executives, such as Alphabet and Microsoft’s CEOs, met in July to discuss progress in AI and Washington’s role in its development. Sufficient reason for alarm exists, but unfortunately, it is because of the coming societal transformation associated with AI that the US can’t afford a government-ordered pause on its development, or else we risk falling behind our adversaries.
Since AI moves at an exceedingly high speed, the slightest delay from regulators in research, development, and use could put us light years behind our competing nations. Comparing this to the laws around drugs in the US, we know that criminals have been able to work around rules and regulations, continuing their illegal activities with impunity. AI could easily operate in a similar way unless we are proactive in advancing our own AI development as fast as possible.
Since the onset of the pandemic, hackers have laid claim to developing artificial intelligence and working extensively on OpenAI tools to use for malicious exploits. Because these attackers would disregard any moratorium placed upon AI, the US must do as much as it can to protect its citizens by monitoring developments in AI, and remain ahead of the competition. An AI arms race has initiated, and just as it is ongoing, so should our effort to advance our own capabilities.
Yet as we strengthen our stance, recognizing the need for regulations and guards designed to protect against its misuse is just as essential. For example, when genetic engineering became relevant in the medical field, the federal government imposed strict regulations to guarantee our safety, and our AI development should not be exempted from such oversight.
Ultimately, the consequences of a future with a dormant US market in AI are simply too dire to ignore. With the involvement of the federal government, tech companies, and leading experts in the field, it is essential that we come together to create a secure and balanced AI market. Utilizing every tool available while adhering to safety and ethical protocols, America can remain a leader in the future of artificial intelligence.
