On Thursday, U.S. senators introduced two bipartisan bills related to artificial intelligence (AI). The first bill would require the government to be transparent about its use of AI when interacting with people, while the second would create a new government office to analyze U.S. competitiveness in AI fields compared to other countries, like China. The bills were introduced by Senators Gary Peters, Mike Braun, and James Lankford, as well as Senators Michael Bennet, Todd Young, and Mark Warner, respectively.
The first bill aims to establish transparency requirements on the government's use of AI and directs federal agencies to notify individuals when they are interacting with or subject to critical decisions made using certain AI or other automated systems. The bill also establishes an appeals process involving real human beings who will review decisions made by AI. The second bill aims to create an Office of Global Competition Analysis to analyze U.S. competitiveness in AI fields compared to other countries, like China.
The bills come after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer scheduled three briefings on AI for senators, including a classified briefing to educate lawmakers on the topic. The briefings include a general overview on AI, examining how to achieve American leadership on AI, and a classified session on defense and intelligence issues and implications.
Senators are beginning to consider what new rules might be needed because of the rise of AI. The technology made headlines earlier this year when ChatGPT, an AI program that can answer questions in written form, became generally available. The bills show that lawmakers in both parties agree that the government must get involved with the emerging technology.
The bills were introduced by a mix of Democrats and Republicans and aim to address concerns about the government's use of AI. Senator Gary Peters emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that "government must be more transparent with the public about when and how they are using these emerging technologies." Senator Michael Bennet highlighted the significance of U.S. competitiveness in AI and stated that the bills would help ensure that America wins the technological race against the Chinese Communist Party.