In a recent development, a coalition of state attorneys general has expressed concerns about an executive order signed by President Biden last year regarding artificial intelligence (AI). The attorneys general warn that the order could potentially centralize government control over AI, leading to political manipulation and censorship of alleged “disinformation.”
Led by Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, the coalition of 20 attorneys general has written a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, highlighting their concerns. They argue that the executive order aims to centralize governmental control over an emerging technology developed by the private sector, without proper authorization from Congress. This, they claim, opens the door for the federal government to exploit AI for political purposes, such as censoring responses in the name of combating ‘disinformation.’
The executive order, signed by President Biden in October, establishes new standards for AI safety and includes measures to protect privacy, workers, and consumers. It requires developers to share safety test results and other relevant information with the government. However, the state attorneys general argue that the order grants the Commerce Department a “gatekeeping function” to supervise AI development, creating an opaque and undemocratic process.
The coalition further expresses concerns about the potential discouragement of AI development and the entrenchment of large tech incumbents. They believe that the order fails to disclose how the federal government will use the provided information, creating a “governmental black box.” They also assert that the order injects partisan purposes into decision-making, including the requirement for designers to prove their ability to tackle “disinformation.”
The attorneys general argue that the Defense Production Act, which the order relies on, does not grant authority to regulate AI development but rather encourages its production. They emphasize that issues related to AI should be addressed through the constitutional democratic process, rather than through executive fiat.
The Commerce Department has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.
Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that any regulation of AI complies with the Constitution and protects against government censorship. While recognizing the need for AI regulation, Reyes insists that congressional authority must not be bypassed.
As the Biden administration moves forward with implementing the executive order, the concerns raised by the state attorneys general highlight the need for a careful and transparent approach to AI regulation that respects democratic processes and individual freedoms.
[Author’s note: The article presents the concerns raised by the state attorneys general regarding Biden’s executive order on AI. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the issue while maintaining a balanced tone.]
