The House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence has released a nearly 300-page report recommending a “flexible sectoral regulatory framework” for the technology. The report emphasizes the need for a “light-touch approach” and “a thriving innovation ecosystem” to keep the US a leader in AI. The task force is led by Reps. Jay Obernolte and Ted Lieu and was commissioned by House leaders to address the rapidly advancing technology.
The report urges lawmakers to remain fluid and adaptable in their approach to AI, as it is an evolving field that will likely require policy updates. It also recommends that existing regulators use their existing authority to respond to AI use within their individual domains of expertise.
The report highlights the importance of focusing on human impact and human freedom, keeping people at the center of their decision-making. It also encourages innovation, but cautions against algorithm-informed decision-making, and pushes for more transparency in government use of AI.
The report also acknowledges the harm AI poses to society, particularly in the arena of civil rights. It calls for the government to explore guardrails for mitigating flaws in decision-making involving AI and to prepare to identify and protect against discriminatory decision-making.
The task force also recommends more education on AI literacy from kindergarten through high school and for public-private partnerships in the AI jobs sector. It emphasizes the need for the government to help facilitate these efforts.
The report concludes by acknowledging that many issues related to AI have not been fully explored and encourages future congresses to continue investigating opportunities and challenges related to AI. Some of these issues include export controls, election integrity, law enforcement, and transportation.
