Congress's long-awaited AI report receives high praise from experts: 'A comprehensive and visionary approach'

The bipartisan task force on AI of Congress released its report this week, outlining strategies for safeguarding the US against emerging threats in AI while maintaining its position as a leader in innovation within the rapidly developing field.

The response to the report proposing a "flexible sectoral regulatory framework" was generally positive, but with some mixed concerns.

"Dr. Vahid Behzadan, a professor in the computer science department at the University of New Haven, stated that the Task Force report presents a comprehensive and innovative approach to AI's economic benefits while also emphasizing the need to address legitimate safety concerns. However, he acknowledged that there is still work to be done."

An "international collaboration strategy," particularly with U.S. allies, should be emphasized, as well as the need to prioritize among the numerous recommendations given and to receive more guidance on market competition and consolidation.

The Center for AI Policy, a nonpartisan research organization in the nation's capital, praised lawmakers for their efforts on the report but agreed with Behzadan's call for more specifics.

The report lacks sufficient detail on the creation of frameworks, and the group also raised concerns about the report's emphasis on catastrophic risks posed by AI.

The press release stated that Congress has been considering AI for two years and it is now necessary to take resolute action.

Yaron Litwin, the chief marketing officer for Canopy, an expert in AI technology and digital parenting, stated that the report on parental control and internet safety did not provide sufficient protections. He emphasized the need for faster and stronger safeguards. Despite his reservations, he acknowledged that the report was more business-friendly than not.

Although it is unreasonable to expect Congress to pass final legislation on AI policy this year, some states have already taken steps to regulate AI, and experts believe the report can support these efforts.

This year, Colorado lawmakers enacted the first comprehensive AI legislation, imposing obligations on developers of "high-risk artificial intelligence systems." In contrast, California lawmakers passed a bill this month aimed at regulating AI in healthcare.

"The federal soft law standards could complement state efforts to safeguard consumers and provide businesses with clear, consistent, and evidence-based federal directives, according to Deputy Director for U.S. Legislation at the Future of Privacy Forum, a nonprofit that examines the challenges posed by technological advancements. Rice emphasized that a growing number of state AI regulations contain exceptions or presuppositions of compliance if companies comply with federally recognized standards. She also pointed out that Congress's strategy would likely simplify regulatory requirements, encourage businesses to meet legal obligations, enhance consumer trust and safety, and reduce regulatory complexity."

Craig Albright, Senior Vice President of U.S. Government Relations for the Business Software Alliance, stated that the report may motivate states to take a more assertive stance in 2022 compared to what is anticipated in Congress.

Experts who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital expressed optimism about whether the 25-page report strikes the balance that lawmakers were hoping for in terms of balancing regulation with the need to foster innovation.

José-Marie Griffiths, President of Dakota State University, praised the House AI Working Group report in a statement to Planet Chronicle Digital. Griffiths has previously advised the Senate and White House on AI policy, including Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., co-chair of the Senate AI Caucus.

"Griffiths stated that although there will always be disagreement on the balance between regulation and government oversight, the report represents a positive step forward. In the future, he recommended that Congress should selectively legislate on specific aspects of AI policy, taking a nuanced and adaptable approach to regulation."

The report's reaction by Griffiths was mirrored by others who cautioned that in a fast-changing industry, it is crucial not to hastily impose regulations that may quickly become outdated.

"JD Harriman, a partner at Foundation Law Group and outside patent counsel at technology corporations like Apple and Pixar, stated that it is encouraging that the report recommends taking an incremental approach to AI policy. He noted that many areas of technology have been hindered by excessive regulation before a thorough understanding of the technology was achieved."

"Cassidy Reid, founder of Women in Automation, stated that the task force's honesty, "We don't know what we don't know," is both refreshing and daunting. This acknowledges the rapid pace of AI's development but raises a larger question: Are we prepared to manage something so inherently unpredictable?"