AI, Government and the Future

AI, Government and the Future

Welcome to our weekly dive into the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on the U.S. Government!

AI is progressing at an incredible pace, and we're just scratching the surface. With so much information out there, it can be overwhelming to keep up.

We're here to provide you with insightful analysis and a concise summary, delivered to you on a regular basis. Stay informed, stay up-to-date, and join us on this thrilling journey into the future of AI.

Episode 23 Recap: Dr. Fred Oswald on AI’s Impact on Workforce Performance and Ethics

In the twenty-third episode of AI, Government, and the Future, Dr Fred Oswald, Professor and Herbert S. Autrey Chair in Social Sciences at Rice University, discusses AI’s potential impact on workforce performance. He explores how combining AI capabilities with human expertise can boost productivity and delves into the ethical considerations of using AI in the hiring process.

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Spotlight

States Must Establish Regulatory Guardrails to Ensure Safe AI Use

With the progression and integration of AI into human lives, there is a concern that a lack of regulation surrounding AI safety could lead to a future where AI systems deviate from their intended purpose according to experts. The recent veto of an AI safety bill by California Gov. Gavin Newsom has intensified debate, with large AI firms arguing that regulation could hinder innovation. As AI technologies rapidly evolve, concerns grow over malicious uses, the development of autonomous weapons, and organizational risks for companies. 

The Center for AI Safety advocates for establishing safety regulations, ensuring transparency, and maintaining human oversight. While the US lacks a federal law specifically addressing AI safety, President Biden’s executive order offers guidance to federal agencies. Some states have passed regulations, though they largely address immediate concerns rather than long-term safety. 

The EU Artificial Intelligence Act is a comprehensive framework for AI safety, imposing stringent requirements on high-risk AI systems and general-purpose models. However, critics argue that these regulations could burden companies with high costs.  As a global leader, the US must strike a balance fostering innovation and mitigating risks.  A tiered, risk-based approach similar to the EU AI Act could serve as a model. 

AI developers should be proactive, establishing safety policies, conducting thorough testing, implementing emergency shutdown protocols, and ensuring transparency in internal processes to prepare for potential audits.

Read More - bloomberglaw

The Number 

$ 5,776 Million 

The AI Governance Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 45.3% from 2024 to 2029, reaching USD 5,776 million. Regulatory pressure and compliance demands are driving this growth, as organizations grapple with reputational risks and the need for governance frameworks. Data governance tools are expected to dominate the market, ensuring data quality, provenance, and bias prevention in AI systems. Software and technology providers are the fastest-growing end-user segment, adopting AI governance tools to promote ethical use. North America leads the market due to a robust regulatory environment and increasing investments in responsible AI deployment.

In-Depth 

Members of Congress Push Back on California's AI Bill 

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill aimed to prevent AI from contributing to bioweapons development and other catastrophic risks, despite backing from companies like Google and Mozilla, as well as state Democrats. Lawmakers criticized the bill for focusing on extreme scenarios while neglecting immediate concerns such as misinformation and deepfakes. Opponents also feared it would hinder innovation and economic growth. Proponents including the Center for AI Safety, emphasized the existential risks posed by generative AI and supported holding developers of large language models liable. The veto underscores the difficulties of balancing innovation with public safety in AI legislation.

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Why Governments are 'Particularly Well-Positioned' to Offer Identity Validation 

The federal government is well positioned to play a larger role in digital identity by offering attribute validation services and providing official verification of personal information to governments and private institutions. Currently, many organizations rely on credit bureaus and data brokers for this verification. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released a draft report outlining this service, with comments open until November 8. Some government agencies, like the Social Security Administration, already engage in data matching. With access to significant original data, the government could reduce reliance on incomplete commercial data, improving cybersecurity and fraud prevention. The report addresses architecture, security, privacy, and operational considerations for validation services. Advocated by the Better Identity Coalition since 2018, these services could help combat identity theft and strengthen identity verification systems.

Read More - nextgov