White House Weighs Rules for AI Tools Like ChatGPT
On April 11, 2023, the Biden administration announced it would seek public comment on accountability measures for artificial intelligence (AI) systems like chatbot ChatGPT as concerns grow over their potential harmful impacts on employment, education and national security. In what could be the first step for potential regulation, the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) formally invited public comment on what role the federal government should take to ensure AI algorithms are not causing harm.
NTIA’s legal mandate includes advising the president on technology policy, but it doesn’t create or enforce regulations. This request for public comment may help craft policy recommendations and accountability measures, including possible AI audits, risk assessments and other measures that could address concerns regarding these new tools and systems. This could help make AI tools safe, ethical and trustworthy. Currently, AI technology is largely unregulated in the United States.
The Biden administration’s actions come in response to the recent rise in popularity of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, which can produce human-like text and communications from user inputs on a wide range of topics. The increased use of these tools has raised concerns, especially among U.S. lawmakers, regarding their potentially harmful impacts on the general public. While AI tools have the potential to provide enormous benefits, they could also cause negative consequences and harm, such as enabling crime and spreading falsehoods. Regulating these technologies could help ensure they’re reliable and allow users to operate them to their full potential.
“Responsible AI systems could bring enormous benefits, but only if we address their potential consequences and harms.”
-NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson
What’s Next?
NTIA will accept public comments until June 10, 2023. The information the agency gathers will be used to generate advice for policymakers about addressing AI tools and systems. The NTIA also plans to draft a report evaluating whether AI systems work as claimed and ensuring they don’t cause harm. This information may help the federal government create a cohesive and comprehensive federal approach to AI-related risks and opportunities.
This Risk Insights is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. © 2023 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.