On Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer proposed a regulation framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in light of the growing popularity of programs like ChatGPT. The proposed framework would require companies to permit independent experts to test and review AI technology before any public release and make the results of these tests available to the users.
Schumer pointed to China’s recent release of their own approach to regulating AI as a “wake-up call” to America and urged immediate action to ensure the United States stays ahead in the development and use of this technology. His proposal of AI guardrails includes four key stipulations – Who, Where, How and Protect – to guarantee that AI is used responsibly and that American values are upheld.
The explosive rise of the application ChatGPT to 100 million monthly active users prompted US lawmakers to take action in the form of the proposed framework. In addition, the US Commerce Department has also requested input from the public about potential accountability measures for AI. President Joe Biden has expressed that it is still uncertain whether AI poses a threat and believes tech companies should ensure the safety of their products prior to release.
The tech giants Microsoft and Google are significant investors in OpenAI, the entity behind ChatGPT, and both are investing billions of dollars in AI in order to gain a competitive advantage. Microsoft is also providing its powerful software Azure to allow developers to create AI applications.
Caden Pearson is a reporter based in Australia. He can be contacted at caden.pearson@epochtimes.com.au. His work often focuses on the ever-evolving technology industry, including the implications of proposed regulations, especially those put forward by Chuck Schumer. Pearson is an expert on the AI industry and aspires to make sure that technology is used responsibly and in a way that supports American values.
Google, Microsoft, and the office of Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell have not responded on their stance towards the proposal. It will take several months or more for the plan to be drafted into legislation and approved by the Congress and the White House.
