Gary Shapiro CEO at Consumer Technology Association | Official website
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® has announced its support for two bipartisan bills in Congress, the CREATE AI Act (S.2714/ H.R.5077) and the Artificial Intelligence Research, Innovation, and Accountability Act of 2023 (S.3312). Gary Shapiro, CEO of CTA, expressed his organization's stance on these pieces of legislation.
Shapiro stated, “Hundreds of artificial intelligence bills at the state level would, if enacted, cause a confusing patchwork of rules for companies and startups to follow. Bills in California, Colorado and Connecticut show Congress must act now to pass national legislation or risk chilling AI innovation and undercutting American leadership in this critical emerging technology."
He further highlighted the transformative potential of AI technology to stimulate economic growth, increase productivity, and improve quality of life globally. In this context, he emphasized CTA's endorsement of the federal CREATE AI Act. This bill aims to foster talent development, infrastructure enhancement, and policy formulation necessary for the United States to maintain its leadership position in AI innovation.
Shapiro pointed out that 80% of CTA membership consists of small businesses and startups. He underlined the importance of establishing the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource as a key step towards providing entrepreneurs, students and researchers from diverse backgrounds with access to resources required for developing safe and trustworthy AI technology.
The CTA also supports national rules for AI that balance risk management with business flexibility for innovation as outlined in CTA’s National AI Policy and Regulatory Framework. The association welcomes the risk-based approach adopted by the Artificial Intelligence Research, Innovation, and Accountability Act which is rooted in existing governance structures and best practices.
Shapiro urged policymakers to treat high-risk AI systems equally regardless of their size during their deliberations on this legislation. He concluded by encouraging policymakers to advance with national AI legislation while expressing anticipation for further collaboration as these bills progress through the legislative process.
