US Senator Michael Bennet has reached out to top tech companies, including OpenAI, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, Twitter, TikTok, Alphabet, TikTok, and Twitter, urging them to implement clear labels on AI-generated content, Reuters reports.
Bennet emphasized the importance of informing Americans when AI technology is used to produce political content.
AI Concerns
The senator's letter highlighted the risks of disseminating AI-generated content without proper identification, particularly concerning fabricated images that could have wide-ranging consequences.
These consequences include impacting stock markets, suppressing voter turnout, and eroding trust in campaign material authenticity.
Concerns surrounding AI-generated content revolve around the potential for high-quality fakes that can deceive voters and facilitate scams or other malicious activities.
We reported multiple examples of political groups utilizing deceptive deepfake technology to smear political opponents back in April and early June.
While lawmakers have expressed interest in regulating AI swiftly, significant legislation in this area has yet to be enacted. According to Goodwin Law, there is no substantial federal regulation governing the use of AI in the United States, nor is there any significant state legislation in existence.
Labelling AI-Generated Content
To address these concerns, Bennet introduced a bill that would require the disclosure of AI usage in political ads, focusing on imagery and other content.
Despite some companies like OpenAI and Google already labeling AI-generated content, Bennet emphasized the need to reduce reliance on voluntary compliance.
In his letter, Bennet requested detailed information from tech executives by July 31, including the standards and requirements for identifying AI content and the processes used to develop and assess those standards' effectiveness.
"We have already seen evidence of generative AI being used to create and share false images," said Bennet. "Continued inaction endangers our democracy."
He also inquired about the consequences for users who violate these rules.
Responses from the tech industry varied. Twitter, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, responded dismissively with a poop emoji. Microsoft declined to comment, while TikTok, OpenAI, Meta, and Alphabet did not immediately respond to comment requests.
Other AI Regulation Efforts
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to propose comprehensive legislation on AI safety measures. During a recent Center for Strategic and International Studies meeting, Schumer emphasized the urgent need for bipartisan action in Congress.
He stressed the importance of developing a strategy that encourages innovation while ensuring safety and public confidence.
As Cointelegraph reports, Schumer acknowledged the complexity of regulating AI, considering the multitude of potential issues that may arise. He intends to raise questions about the appropriate level of federal intervention, including taxation, spending, and the necessity of federal involvement in AI regulation.
This call for comprehensive legislation follows a meeting between President Joe Biden and experts from Silicon Valley, during which the White House expressed its commitment to striking a balance between the opportunities and risks of AI.
Biden emphasized the protection of citizen rights, privacy and the need to address biases and misinformation before deploying AI systems.
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