In this crucial moment for artificial intelligence, it’s vital to take action. Gary Marcus, a highly respected AI expert, has brought to our attention some alarming developments regarding regulations on AI technology. He is urging citizens to reach out to their Congressional representatives and oppose the White House’s plan to limit state regulations on AI. This measure would essentially give a free pass to powerful AI companies, who must be held accountable just like any other potentially harmful consumer service. We encourage you to share this information with anyone who might be concerned about the implications of AI.
Numerous instances have already emerged where chatbots have encouraged suicide and violence, not to mention the dangers posed by misinformation.
By Gary Marcus, professor emeritus of psychology and neural science at New York University. Originally published at his website
I write to you with a sense of urgency.
Part I: Recent Developments
Previously, I expressed concerns about a proposed Federal law that would restrict the ability of individual states to regulate AI. Many organizations shared similar concerns.
Fortunately, at the last minute, Congress, led by Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn, successfully quashed this ill-advised initiative, preventing its enactment.
This decision is commendable. A moratorium on state-level regulations of AI is a misguided concept, especially in a landscape lacking a unified Federal response. Vulnerable populations, especially children, are at a higher risk due to harmful content:
As I mentioned earlier on X, advocating for federal AI standards instead of state regulations would make sense only if Congress introduces sound federal standards. However, no significant proposals have been put forward for a vote.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt eloquently addressed this topic yesterday (full link here), highlighting a last-minute effort to insert a moratorium on state regulation into the National Defense Authorization Act:
Part II: Breaking Updates
Unfortunately, the situation has intensified. According to an exclusive report from The Information, it appears the White House is now preparing to bypass Congress entirely:
It’s crucial to contact your Congressional representatives immediately; we cannot allow the White House to undermine both Congress and state authority. I strongly encourage you to use the resources provided by Joseph Gordon-Levitt at https://linktr.ee/StopTheAIBan. States need the power to safeguard their citizens against the myriad dangers posed by AI, both in the immediate and the longer term. Just as airlines, automobiles, and food services are regulated, so too must AI, especially when it’s involved in harmful interactions.
Now is the time for us to advocate for necessary changes.
