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May 03, 2023

U.S. senator puts forward bill to create AI task force



U.S. Democratic Senator Michael Bennet introduced a bill this Thursday pushing for the creation of a task force commissioned with identifying the shortfalls in regulatory oversight of artificial intelligence.

The AI rush is afoot, as computer-generated art and powerful chatbots continue to make headlines. The colossal success of OpenAI’s conversational tool ChatGPT had many companies double down on their AI efforts to keep up the pace. But as AI-powered services become ever-so-sophisticated, lawmakers are scratching their heads with how to regulate this nascent technology.



A senior U.S. senator from Colorado, Michael Bennet is the latest prominent voice to join the AI conversation. Under his bill, a task force would be assigned with targeting AI’s shortcomings and recommending reforms in U.S. policies when required. Cabinet members could be called to step in alongside officials from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Office of Management and Budget, as well as civil liberties officers from several State Departments and executive branch agencies. Working for no more than 18 months, the task force would be shut down after issuing a final report.

During a news conference in Washington, Bennet advocated for increased education on artificial intelligence issues. Yet, he also warned there would be much “improvisation and iterative approaches,” for AI was “new to everyone in the government.” And AI technology also feels like uncharted territory for Bennet’s fellow Senators.

Earlier this week, the chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Mark Warner, called for artificial intelligence companies to ensure the responsible deployment of new technologies and prioritize security measures in their ongoing research. The Democratic Senator sent letters to some of the biggest names in the field, reaching out to CEOs of Meta Platforms, Midjourney, Apple (News - Alert), and OpenAI, among other tech giants. Urging AI creators to put security at the forefront of their work, Warner expressed his concern about the latent risks of AI technology in the absence of some level of regulation.

And elected officials are not alone in ringing the alarm. In March, hundreds of high-profile tech entrepreneurs signed an open letter admonishing the world’s leading AI labs to hold back on training all-powerful digital minds. Advanced AI and machine learning software should be “managed with commensurate care,” the letter says, since they could herald a profound and unprecedented change in human history. But as companies pour billions of dollars to gain the upper hand on this burgeoning technology, experts fear this out-of-control race could lead humanity to the brink of catastrophe.

With a list of signatories including such illustrious names as Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak (News - Alert) and tech billionaire Elon Musk, siding with many distinguished academics in the AI field, this cautionary letter made waves. But it didn’t stay unanswered for long. As reported by CNBC, Bill Gates (News - Alert) pushed back against the proposed interruption of AI training. The tech luminary shared his thoughts on the virtual impossibility of asking one particular group to halt their AI activities globally. Gates added that a pause would not “solve the challenges.”

Meanwhile, experts taking the stand during a Senate subcommittee hearing argued that pausing AI development may hamper U.S. competitiveness. Beyond a mere economic standpoint, breakthroughs in AI might transform other critical domains like warfare and cybersecurity.

While countries channel artificial intelligence to ensure national security, individuals benefit from the technology in their everyday lives, too. ChatGPT is already the go-to platform for IT employees, journalists, and students alike. Generative AI is revolutionizing entire sectors as well, from the film business to the gaming medium. With the ability to enhance gameplay mechanics and craft unique non-playable characters, AI is taking immersion in video games to the next level.

The iGaming industry has also leveraged AI technology to protect player privacy and provide a safer space for gamers altogether. That’s why reviewing hubs like CasinoReviews.com emphasize security and reliability in their recommendations. With the help of a team of experts, newcomers can find the best casino out there to play it safe. Each site is vetted according to a strict reviewing process, which accounts for key decision-making criteria like pay-out speed, convenient banking options, and user experience. A strong commitment to responsible gambling is also of the essence to make the cut.

Artificial intelligence is already prevalent in the daily lives of web users. Still, the heightened competition between Silicon Valley giants is giving pause to regulators and tech leaders alike. Officeholders and lawmakers are walking a fine line between drafting new regulatory regimes and staying on top of the AI race, thus. Regardless, a legal framework for AI technology is bound to emerge in the coming months in an effort to curtail AI’s potential threats to civil liberties, privacy, and due process.



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