In a recent speech in London, US Vice President Kamala Harris underscored the existential threat artificial intelligence (AI) poses to democracy and human rights. She highlighted AI’s potential to amplify discrimination and disinformation, urging global leaders to prioritize the regulation of this emerging technology beyond mere profits and future fears.
Harris explained,
“These threats are often referred to as the existential threats of A.I. because, of course, they could endanger the very existence of humanity. These threats, without question, are profound, and they demand global action.”
US VP Harris Details AI Risks
In an effort to manage AI risks and protect consumers, Harris announced a series of measures, including the establishment of an AI Safety Institute and a ‘Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights.’
These initiatives reflect Biden’s order for AI safety, equity, civil rights, and labor market impact studies.
The Vice President’s address highlighted the potential for AI to exacerbate existing inequalities, with research indicating that AI programs can produce biased results that discriminate by race, gender, or age.
She detailed instances of AI causing harm, such as a senior losing his healthcare plan due to a faulty algorithm. She also told stories of a woman threatened by deepfake photographs from an abusive partner and a young father wrongfully imprisoned due to biased facial recognition.
Biden Administration Moving Toward AI Regulations
The Biden administration’s measures mark a significant step in AI regulation, with Harris also emphasizing the importance of consumer protections. She added,
“As history has shown, in the absence of regulation and strong government oversight, some technology companies choose to prioritize profit over the well-being of their customers, the safety of our communities, and the stability of our democracies.”
On the international front, the G7 nations are working on a voluntary ‘Code of Conduct’ for advanced AI systems. This initiative, known as the “Hiroshima AI process,” aims to promote safe, secure, and trustworthy AI worldwide. It also encourages companies to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks throughout the AI lifecycle and emphasizes robust security controls.
Read more: The 6 Hottest Artificial Intelligence (AI) Jobs in 2023
As AI continues to evolve, these proactive stances taken by the US government and the G7 nations are timely responses. They represent significant steps towards harnessing the power of AI responsibly, maximizing its benefits while effectively managing potential risks.
The urgency of this moment, as Harris stated,
“must compel us to create a collective vision of what this future must be.”
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