Vice President Kamala Harris Calls for Stricter AI Standards to Safeguard Consumers
Vice President Kamala Harris has emphasized the need for international collaboration and stricter regulations to protect consumers from the potential risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI). In a recent speech delivered in London, Harris highlighted the historical precedence of certain technology companies prioritizing profit over the well-being of customers, community safety, and democratic stability.
To address the dangers associated with AI, the White House is taking various steps. One such measure is the establishment of an AI Safety Institute within the Commerce Department. This institute will develop guidelines and tools to mitigate the risks associated with AI. Additionally, the Office of Management and Budget plans to release draft policy guidance on the responsible use of AI by the U.S. government.
Harris’s speech aligns with the broader efforts of the White House to impose restrictions on emerging AI tools, many of which are entering the market without adequate oversight from regulators. Harris joined other foreign leaders at the AI Security Summit hosted by U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Bletchley Park, the historical site of Britain’s World War II code-breaking center.
In her address, Harris mentioned the collaboration between the U.S. government and prominent foundations, such as the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Heising-Simons Foundation. These foundations have pledged $200 million to support AI security initiatives. Furthermore, Harris stated that 30 other countries have joined forces with the U.S. to establish norms for the military use of AI.
President Joe Biden’s recent executive order empowers the federal government to enforce security and privacy standards on new AI tools. This order will have significant implications for major technology companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. These companies will be required to submit test results on their new AI models to the government before public release. The directive also calls for clear labeling of AI-generated content.
The use of AI tools has surged in recent months, with platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT app becoming readily accessible to consumers. However, this increased adoption has raised concerns about the potential spread of misinformation and the perpetuation of bias through underlying algorithms.
Harris urged Congress and the White House to swiftly collaborate on passing legislation that would provide long-lasting regulations, rather than relying solely on executive directives. She also emphasized that existing laws addressing privacy, transparency, and consumer protection can be effectively applied to govern AI products.
Various international bodies, including the United Nations and the Group of Seven, are actively working to establish rules and regulations for artificial intelligence. Among these entities, the European Union is leading the way, with its AI Act anticipated to become law by year-end.
In conclusion, Vice President Kamala Harris’s call for stricter AI standards and international cooperation reflects growing concerns about the potential risks associated with artificial intelligence. With the White House taking steps to address these concerns, collaborations with foundations and other countries aim to safeguard consumers and establish norms for the responsible use of AI. As the world moves forward in the realm of AI, the need for comprehensive regulations becomes increasingly apparent.
