Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/10/23/ai_firms_and_civil_society/
Source: The Register
Title: AI firms and civil society groups plead for passage of federal AI law ASAP
Feedly Summary: Congress urged to act before year’s end to support US competitiveness
More than 60 commercial orgs, non-profits, and academic institutions have asked Congress to pass legislation authorizing the creation of the US AI Safety Institute within the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST).…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses a coalition of over 60 organizations advocating for the establishment of the US AI Safety Institute under NIST to promote safety and innovation in AI. The proposed legislation aims to create frameworks for voluntary best practices in AI systems rather than enforceable restrictions, contrasting with California’s recent failed attempt at AI regulation.
Detailed Description:
The text outlines significant legislative efforts in the U.S. regarding AI safety and innovation, important for security and compliance professionals focused on regulatory frameworks and standards in AI technology. Key points include:
– Over 60 organizations, including commercial, non-profit, and academic entities, are urging Congress to authorize the creation of the US AI Safety Institute within NIST.
– Proposed bills:
– Senate Bill S 4178 (“Future of AI Innovation Act”),
– House Bill HR 9497 (“AI Advancement and Reliability Act”),
both aim to establish a center focused on AI research, standards, and public-private partnerships.
– Leadership and sponsorship of the bills involve bipartisan support from various senators and representatives.
– The initiative is framed as crucial for national security and competitiveness in the global AI landscape.
– The coalition argues that enacting these bills could prevent the U.S. from falling behind other countries advancing in AI technology.
– The legislation emphasizes voluntary best practices for AI systems, contrasting sharply with California’s SB 1047, which proposed enforceable obligations and was vetoed over economic concerns.
– The ongoing political inaction raises questions about the potential for this legislation to succeed.
* Implications for security and compliance professionals:
– The establishment of a formal AI safety institute can lead to improved frameworks for AI safety standards, benefiting organizations seeking compliance.
– The focus on voluntary best practices may indicate a need for companies to develop internal measures that align with emerging standards, even in the absence of enforceability.
– Awareness of the legislative landscape is critical for organizations affected by AI technology, emphasizing the need for proactive compliance strategies amidst regulatory uncertainty.
Overall, this text captures the dynamic interaction between technological advancement and legislative actions, which is essential for stakeholders within AI, cloud, and infrastructure security fields.