The lack of federal AI legislation has led to a surge in state and local AI laws, with over 440% more AI-related bills introduced in 2023 than in 2022. This has resulted in a patchwork of rules, creating uncertainty for the industry and consumers. Toner suggests that a high-level federal mandate would be preferable, and advocates for the implementation of light-touch, common-sense guardrails to prevent future crises and the need for rushed, ill-considered responses.
Key takeaways:
- Helen Toner, a former OpenAI board member, expressed concerns about Congress potentially reacting in a "knee-jerk" way to AI policymaking, especially in the face of a crisis.
- Despite President Biden's executive order on AI consumer protections and the National Institute of Standards and Technology's roadmap for AI risks, Congress has not yet passed comprehensive AI legislation.
- State and local governments have been filling the legislative vacuum, with a significant increase in AI-related bills introduced in 2023, leading to a patchwork of rules that could create uncertainty for the industry and consumers.
- Toner suggests that even a high-level federal mandate would be preferable to the current situation, and advocates for light-touch, common-sense guardrails to prevent future crises and the need for rapid, poorly-thought-through responses.