Don Beyer, a Virginia Democrat and automotive entrepreneur, has taken the unusual step of enrolling in a machine learning master’s degree program at George Mason University to understand more about artificial intelligence (AI). With some members of Congress admitting they don’t understand the emerging technology, Beyer’s choice is an anomaly, but it highlights a broader effort by legislators to educate themselves (although not to the same degree) about AI while deliberating laws that will shape its development. AI has been described as transformative, a threat to democracy, and even an existential risk for humanity. Members of Congress need to regulate the industry to encourage its potential benefits while mitigating the worst risks.
Lawmakers must understand what AI is and isn’t, as the technology continues to develop at a rapid pace. While many Americans may have formed a perception of AI from science fiction movies, lawmakers need a clear understanding of the technology to make informed decisions. Lawmakers are facing the challenge of keeping up with the pace of technology, and both formal and informal education are necessary to provide them with the knowledge required to make well-informed decisions about AI. Informed AI regulation is imperative, and both the executive branch and Congress are taking steps to mitigate the potential harm of AI while also reaping its benefits. A bipartisan group in Congress is working to understand AI’s implications and find common ground on ways to prevent the worst risks, while also creating an AI task force and an AI Caucus to facilitate conversations and create consensus on this complex and powerful technology.
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