Congress used to evaluate emerging technologies. Let’s do it again.

The article discusses the history and impact of the U.S. Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), which was established in the early 1970s to provide Congress with scientific and technological expertise. The OTA conducted thorough evaluations of various technologies, such as polygraphs and missile defense systems, and provided non-partisan reports that informed policymakers. Despite its valuable contributions, the OTA was defunded in 1995 as part of a broader political movement that criticized scientific advice and sought to reduce government spending.

The article argues for the revival of the OTA, emphasizing the need for an independent body to assess emerging technologies like AI and robotics. Current advisory entities, such as the Congressional Research Service, lack the depth and focus of the OTA. Although there is some support for bringing back the OTA, political challenges and a lack of will hinder its reestablishment. The piece highlights the ongoing struggle between technological advancement and the ability of lawmakers to effectively regulate and understand these changes.

Key takeaways:

The Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) was an independent congressional agency that evaluated technologies and provided reports to Congress, but it was defunded in 1995.
The OTA's reports often debunked overhyped technologies, such as polygraphs, and provided neutral, well-reasoned options for policymakers.
There are calls to resurrect the OTA to help Congress understand and regulate emerging technologies like AI, as current advisory bodies are seen as insufficient.
The defunding of the OTA was part of a broader political movement against scientific advisory bodies, led by Newt Gingrich in the mid-1990s.

Congress used to evaluate emerging technologies. Let’s do it again.

Key takeaways:

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