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Nation Reconsiders Ai Control As Moratorium Expired
The Tide Turns: AI Regulation Makes Comeback in States as US Moratorium Fails
In a significant shift, the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) regulation is seeing a resurgence in states across the United States. Following the expiration of the national moratorium on AI development and deployment, several states have begun to implement their own regulations aimed at governing the growth of this rapidly evolving technology.
The US National Science Foundation’s 60-day ban on new funding for AI research, which was first announced in December 2020, was initially intended to provide a temporary pause on federal investment in AI. However, as concerns about AI safety and ethics grew, the moratorium has become increasingly contentious. As of February 2023, the ban is set to expire, and states are now taking matters into their own hands.
California, which has been at the forefront of AI regulation efforts, established a framework for AI development and deployment in August 2022 with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-19-21 (EO 19-21). This order promotes fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI systems while ensuring their safe and effective use. Guided by two key principles – “Benefit” and “Risk” – developers are required to weigh the benefits of an AI system against its potential risks and take steps to mitigate or eliminate any adverse effects.
The state has also established a new agency, the California Department of Technology, to oversee the implementation of these regulations. The regulatory approach is designed to balance innovation with concerns about safety, accountability, and ethics.
New York has also taken significant strides in AI regulation. In January 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the “AI Now Act,” a comprehensive bill aimed at regulating the development and use of AI systems across the state. The law establishes an independent agency, the New York State Office of Technology and Advanced Industry (OTAI), to oversee AI policy and ensure that AI systems are developed and used in ways that prioritize fairness, equity, and transparency.
The AI Now Act also includes provisions aimed at protecting workers who may be displaced by automation, as well as initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in the development of AI systems. The law’s emphasis on accountability and transparency reflects a growing recognition among policymakers that AI poses significant risks if left unchecked.
As states begin to fill the regulatory vacuum created by the national moratorium, there are concerns about consistency and coordination across jurisdictions. This has led to calls for greater federal involvement in shaping national AI policy. In response, President Biden announced plans to establish a new National AI Coordination Council (NAIC), which will work to develop standards and guidelines for AI development and deployment nationwide.
Meanwhile, other states are taking more targeted approaches to regulating AI. Washington state, for example, has established a “Future of Work” program aimed at supporting workers who may be displaced by automation. The program provides training and education programs, as well as resources for entrepreneurs seeking to create new industries that complement AI-driven productivity gains.
Growing public concerns about the safety and ethics of AI systems have driven the resurgence of regulation in states across the US. A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that nearly two-thirds (65%) of Americans believe that AI poses significant risks, while just 22% think it has no impact on society.
Policymakers face complex decisions about how to balance innovation and growth with concerns about safety, accountability, and ethics in AI development. While the national moratorium was intended to provide a temporary pause on federal investment in AI, its expiration has created a new landscape for regulation and oversight.
As states continue to develop their own regulatory frameworks, it remains to be seen whether these approaches will serve as a model for national policy or create unintended consequences that hinder innovation. The focus is now on ensuring that AI systems are developed and deployed in ways that prioritize human well-being and dignity – requiring ongoing dialogue among policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and civil society stakeholders about the ethics and governance of AI.
For policymakers to strike a balance between promoting innovation and growth while protecting public safety and well-being, it is essential to consider the social and philosophical implications of AI development. As one prominent researcher noted, “AI regulation is not just a technical problem; it’s also a social and philosophical issue that requires careful consideration of our values as a society.”
The stakes are high, but the potential rewards of successful AI governance could be immense – transforming industries, creating new opportunities, and ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared equitably by all. As the US continues to navigate its role in shaping global AI governance, one thing is clear: the future of AI regulation will depend on a collaborative effort between policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and civil society stakeholders.
By working together, we can create an AI system that prioritizes human well-being, dignity, and safety – unlocking the full potential of this transformative technology for the benefit of all.