Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has voiced concerns that regulations on artificial intelligence (AI) could potentially benefit China and protect a few select companies from competition. Speaking at a conference in Atlanta, DeSantis highlighted the potential risks and advantages associated with AI, a technology that he believes will have a significant impact in the future.
DeSantis, who is seen as a top contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, expressed his reservations about the current use of AI and its data models. He argued that the three most popular AI companies rely on what he refers to as woke data sets to power their algorithms. These biased data sets, according to DeSantis, could pose a threat by entrenching prejudices and limiting the ability of AI to provide fair and objective answers.
While acknowledging the need for regulation, DeSantis stressed the importance of striking a balance that encourages competition while preventing excessive restrictions. He believes that competition will foster innovation in the AI sector, but warns against ignoring the potential advantages that China holds in this emerging technology. DeSantis emphasized the need for the United States not to fall behind its global competitors, particularly in terms of utilizing AI for defense purposes.
The Biden Administration and European regulators are currently in the process of formulating regulations to govern AI. However, DeSantis suggests that more legislation may be necessary to address the challenges and risks posed by this rapidly advancing technology. He advocates for a nimble and adaptable AI policy that can evolve to keep pace with the ever-changing landscape.
When discussing his potential AI policy as president, DeSantis stated that his guiding principle would be to protect human beings from being overtaken and displaced by computers. He believes that allowing AI to dominate society would have detrimental effects.
The concerns raised by DeSantis provide a different perspective on the ongoing AI debate. While many countries are exploring regulations to govern AI and minimize potential risks, he argues that excessive regulations could stifle competition and hinder technological progress. It remains to be seen how policymakers will strike the right balance between harnessing the potential of AI while addressing potential pitfalls in the development and deployment of this technology.
