OpenAI’s Vice President of Global Affairs, Anna Makanju, has announced that the company is endorsing three significant Senate bills aimed at shaping the future of AI policy in the United States. In a LinkedIn post, Makanju emphasized the importance of government involvement in ensuring the safe and accessible development of advanced AI.
Here is a quick overview of each bill:
Future of Artificial Intelligence Innovation Act of 2024
The Future of Artificial Intelligence Innovation Act of 2024 (S.4178) aims to establish standards, metrics, and evaluation tools for AI, support AI research and development, and promote innovation in the AI industry. It proposes the creation of an Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute to develop best practices and guidelines for AI assessment. The bill also calls for international cooperation on AI innovation and standards, the establishment of AI testbeds, and initiatives to create public datasets for AI training. Additionally, it directs federal agencies to identify regulatory barriers to AI innovation and proposes "grand challenges" to stimulate AI research and development in key areas.
Key takeaways:
- The bill aims to create a comprehensive framework for AI development, safety, and innovation in the United States.
- It emphasizes international cooperation and the harmonization of AI standards with like-minded countries.
- The legislation focuses on supporting AI research, development, and commercialization across various sectors of the economy.
NSF AI Education Act of 2024
NSF AI Education Act of 2024 (S.4394) aims to support AI education and professional development through various National Science Foundation (NSF) programs. The bill proposes undergraduate and graduate scholarships for AI-related studies, professional development fellowships, AI training for land-grant universities, quantum fellowships, and the establishment of Community College and Vocational School Centers of AI Excellence. It also includes provisions for research on AI in education, awards for AI resources in schools, and the development of guidance for introducing AI in K-12 classrooms.
Key takeaways:
- The bill focuses on expanding AI education and training across various educational levels and institutions, from K-12 to graduate studies and professional development.
- It emphasizes inclusivity by prioritizing underserved areas, rural communities, and minority-serving institutions in many of its programs.
- The legislation aims to prepare the workforce for AI-related careers through scholarships, fellowships, and grand challenges targeting the training of 1 million workers in AI-related areas by 2028.
CREATE AI Act of 2023
The "Creating Resources for Every American To Experiment with Artificial Intelligence Act of 2023" (S.2714) aims to establish the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR). NAIRR is designed to provide researchers and students with access to computational resources, large datasets, educational tools, and AI testbeds to advance AI research and development in the United States. The bill outlines the governance structure, including a Program Management Office within the National Science Foundation and an Operating Entity to manage day-to-day operations. It also sets guidelines for user eligibility, resource allocation, privacy and ethics considerations, and research security.
Key takeaways:
- The bill aims to democratize access to AI research resources, particularly for underrepresented groups in STEM fields.
- It establishes a governance structure for the NAIRR, including a Steering Subcommittee and Advisory Committees to oversee its operation.
- The legislation emphasizes the importance of privacy, ethics, civil rights, and research security in AI development and use of the NAIRR.
This move comes just days after OpenAI signed a letter to lawmakers in support of the AI Safety Institute, along with several companies, including Microsoft, Meta, Palantir, Cohere, and Amazon. The letter urged the Senate and House Committees to prioritize authorizing the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute within the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
OpenAI's endorsement of these bills is important to pay attention to. As a leader in generative AI, the company's support could influence how AI is regulated and developed in the coming years. Why did they feel the need to do this? On one hand, it suggests that they may be willing to work within a regulatory framework, possibly to build public trust and avoid more restrictive legislation down the line.
However, one could also argue that this type of involvement might lead to regulations that favor established companies, potentially stifling competition and innovation from smaller players.
Hopefully this activity around oversight and governance will ultimately lead to enhanced AI safety measures and education. But, we must be vigilant in ensuring that more voices shape the conversation and not just those of the "GPU rich".