On May 15, 2024, a bipartisan group of lawmakers unveiled a roadmap aimed at addressing the challenges and implications of artificial intelligence (AI). In response to this development, Patrick Gaspard, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, released a statement.
Gaspard noted that the AI roadmap reflects a consensus among lawmakers that Congress needs to establish guidelines as the nation invests in its future. He emphasized the urgency of passing a comprehensive federal privacy law, an initiative that enjoys bipartisan support according to the report.
"AI has the potential to reshape our society and economy, and it demands bold action to ensure we don’t repeat the same mistakes we did by leaving social media unregulated," Gaspard said. He added that regulations are necessary to guarantee that AI tools are safe, effective, and free from discrimination.
While acknowledging that the roadmap recognizes some of the real-world harms posed by technology, Gaspard also pointed out gaps in agreement on how best to address these issues. He stated that while social scoring is correctly identified as a high-risk area where AI should be prohibited, other potentially harmful uses of AI should also be considered for prohibition or restriction.
"Tools that are biased and discriminatory also must be banned, full stop. And any regulatory framework must contemplate prohibiting or restricting other high-risk uses, such as automated firing of workers, life-and-death health care decisions, and even the federal government’s use of AI," Gaspard said. He warned against leaving industry self-regulation unchecked.
In his statement, Gaspard stressed that setting appropriate guidelines will enhance rather than hinder innovation and global competitiveness. As Senate committees begin legislating on this issue, he urged them to build upon this framework without being constrained by it in order to ensure AI benefits all Americans.
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