Senate Majority Leader Schumer pledges 'supercharged' path to AI regulation

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“In the twenty-first century, we cannot behave like ostriches in the sand when it comes to AI.”

Reported by Fox News: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is accelerating the U.S. government's move to regulate artificial intelligence, signaling his intentions to make this a legislative priority as Congress reconvenes from its August break. To facilitate this, Schumer plans to launch "AI Insight Forums," which will bring together tech leaders and policymakers for meaningful discussions on the future of AI regulation. The first session, scheduled for September 13, is set to feature industry names including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sam Altman.

More details:

• Bipartisan Effort: Schumer has gathered a bipartisan AI working group that aims to make lawmakers more conversant on AI so they can engage in informed regulatory discussions. Sen. Todd Young, a Republican, applauds the forum approach, stating it will help Congress explore key policy issues around AI while keeping legislative authorities empowered.

• Broad Policy Concerns: The push for regulation is being framed not just as a tech issue but as a matter of national security, job creation, and civil liberties. Schumer emphasizes that tackling AI regulation will be complex but essential.

• Resistance and Concerns: While there is bipartisan interest in regulation, not all lawmakers are on board. Sen. Ted Cruz warns that stringent regulations could impede AI development in the U.S., potentially ceding leadership to China, which is heavily investing in AI.

• Competing Priorities: This ambitious agenda comes at a time when the Senate has multiple pressing issues to resolve, including a spending deal to avert a government shutdown and the reauthorization of several critical programs.

Takeaways: Back in June, Schumer outlined a rough regulatory framework plan called “SAFE” Innovation. “Many want to ignore AI because it’s so complex,” Schumer said in a speech when he announced the framework. “But when it comes to AI, we cannot be ostriches sticking our heads in the sand.” Sound familiar? Schumer and SEC Chairman Gary Gensler have been among the loudest voices in US government pushing for more intense scrutiny being placed upon AI’s development and application.

In July, Sen. Cruz said: “At this point, Congress doesn't have even the barest modicum of understanding (about AI). So it is far more likely that Congress would do harm than do good.” While there’s an element of truth to the statement, efforts to educate policymakers are underway - and polls indicate that the American public majority wants more caution and regulation.

Additionally, Cruz’s fears that regulation could lead to the US falling behind China in an AI race are unfounded. China itself has the most detailed and robust regulatory frameworks of any country in the world, including it’s 2023 generative AI regulations.

Considering today’s regulation news, this sparse language could put X Corp at even greater odds with emerging federal laws around data use. Residents in a few states have already been given the right to opt-out of having their data used for automated tech. The changes also raise questions around X Corp's 2011 consent decree with the Federal Trade Commission, which puts their data security practices under scrutiny until 2042. X Corp recently filed to have FTC oversight dismissed. There has been no ruling yet.

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