On Tuesday, four federal agencies released a joint statement outlining a commitment to the core principles of fairness, equality and justice in artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The statement from the Federal Trade Commission, the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission affirms America’s commitment to ensure that AI-powered automated systems are designed and deployed in a manner that respects civil rights, consumer protection, and equal opportunity.
The statement comes amid rising concerns over the potential impacts of AI and automated systems across different parts of society, such as employment, education, health, and criminal justice. Critics have highlighted AI’s potential to amplify existing biases and prejudices, ultimately leading to unfair and negative outcomes. The agencies outline an effort to work with stakeholders, including industry, academia, civil society, and the public, to raise awareness and foster responsible innovation regarding automated systems. Their aim is to prevent and address any violations of law that result from the use or provision of this kind of technology.
The agencies also prioritize transparency and oversight of automated systems to build trust amongst consumers and the public, encouraging efforts to make systems explainable, auditable, and open to feedback. They hope to enable collaboration between a wide range of actors in order to advance the responsible use of automated systems for the benefit of the American public.
The statement has earned mixed reviews from the legal and AI communities. Brad Newman, a partner at Baker and McKenzie LLP who specializes in AI matters, expressed disappointment, noting that the agencies’ statement offers “no new guidance, no new advice or insight.” Jesse Lehrich, former foreign policy spokesperson for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, and cofounder of Accountable Tech, has praised the agencies’ commitment in affirming existing regulations concerning non-discrimination and AI. Suresh Venkatasubramanian, former AI advisor to the Biden Administration, has also commended the joint statement as a strong effort by the federal enforcement agencies.
Leaders have the opportunity to gain insights when they join top executives in San Francisco on July 11-12. This convention was organized to discuss how leaders can integrate and optimize investments into AI for success. Join to learn more about how automated systems can be used responsibly for the benefit of the American public.
