AI, Government and the Future

Stars, Stripes & Algorithms 

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Corner Alliance
July 18, 2024

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.

Recap Episode Nine of AI Government and the Future: Reggie Townsend

In the ninth episode of AI, Government, and the Future, we were joined by Reggie Townsend, Vice President of Data Ethics at SAS, to shed light on the importance of data equity and personal data sovereignty for AI. They discussed AI's evolution in government, the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee's role, and the importance of human-centered AI innovations that serve the greater good while minimizing harm.

Click the links below: 

Spotlight

What Government Can Learn from the Private Sector About AI - govtech

Public-sector employees have less familiarity and understanding of generative AI compared to private-sector employees, according to a global research report commissioned by SAS and conducted by Coleman Parkes Research Ltd. Only 36% of public-sector employees rated their understanding of generative AI as "well" or "completely," compared to 52% overall. Public-sector employees also reported using generative AI less frequently and were less acquainted with their organization's technology adoption. The report also revealed a difference in how public and private sector employees view synthetic data. Synthetic data is information that is artificially created using algorithms, instead of real-world events with public-sector employees showing more hesitancy. Furthermore, the study found a lack of AI governance standards in the public sector, with only 52% of public-sector respondents reporting having a generative AI policy.

The Number 

$19.5 Million 

The South Florida Climate Ready Tech Hub is set to receive $19.5 million in federal funding to improve climate change protections in the region. The funding, provided by the Biden-Harris administration, will be used for the early development of the hub, which aims to address climate challenges and drive economic innovation. While South Florida received the smallest sum among the 12 designated tech hubs in the nation, it is expected to create 23,000 high-paying jobs through 2029 and generate $41 billion in revenue over the next decade. The Tech Hub program is part of the government's initiative to invest in communities and create opportunities for economic growth and job creation.

In-Depth 

Supreme Court Stripped Federal Regulators of Power. Do California Rules Offer a Backstop?

The U.S. Supreme Court recently made a series of rulings that could make it harder to enforce federal regulations. These rulings could have major implications for rules on food safety, water quality, carbon emissions, and more. However, in California, the effects may be less significant. The state has its own regulations and could serve as a regulatory backup if federal rules are struck down. California has a history of resisting federal regulatory shifts, but there are limits to how far the state can go on its own. The rulings could lead to a wave of litigation challenging settled regulations, particularly in areas like climate change. California's rules, especially in areas like labor law, will remain in place regardless of the federal rulings. The long-term impact of the rulings remains uncertain. Some view them as a victory against an overreaching federal bureaucracy, while others see them as a potential threat to the functioning of the federal government. The court's rulings reflect the ongoing polarization in American society and raise questions about the role of the law.

Sen. Cruz: Attempts to Regulate the Totality of the Internet Will Hurt US Prosperity

Senator Ted Cruz has raised concerns about the Biden administration’s approach to regulating AI and data privacy. He argues that the current approach could stifle American innovation and favor large tech companies. Cruz advocates for targeted solutions to address AI-related issues and calls for a uniform data privacy standard that balances privacy and innovation, rather than legislation that primarily benefits big businesses and trial lawyers. Additionally, Cruz criticizes the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) for potentially delegating too much power to unelected commissioners at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and infringing on free speech rights. He suggests considering the data privacy work done by states like Texas and focusing on Texans' privacy without excessive regulations.