On Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer presented a framework for Congress to develop regulations for AI. The framework does not endorse any specific legislation, but it calls for prioritizing key goals, such as supporting security and innovation. The process of developing AI rules will include listening sessions so Congress can learn more from a wide range of experts and stakeholders.
Last week, the EU went a step further, advancing a draft version of its AI Act. This proposal includes bans on some uses of AI, such as emotion-recognition AI, as well as restrictions on recommendation algorithms. For a roundup of key provisions in the draft AI Act, check out this article from the MIT Technology Review.
Thank you for reading. Below is our roundup of tech policy news, along with a featured podcast.
This Week in Washington
- Nextgov: President Biden is expected to meet with eight specialists from various AI sectors as part of an ongoing executive effort to integrate more private sector and academic expertise into federal technology policy.
- CyberScoop: The U.S. Department of Justice has established a cyber-focused section within its National Security Division to put the U.S. on equal footing with other major nations’ national security.
- Nextgov: The Office of the National Cyber Director has been without a top leader since its Senate-confirmed head stepped down in February. Now, cybersecurity experts are concerned that vacancy will hamper implementation of the new national cyber strategy designed to help reduce the frequency and impact of successful cyberattacks targeting the federal government, as well as recovery from recent cyberattacks and data breaches.
- The Verge: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Jessica Rosenworcel announced a proposal to investigate broadband internet data caps and their effect on consumers. For this investigation, they’re looking for public comments, focusing on those with disabilities, low-income consumers, and historically disadvantaged communities.
Article Summary
- The Hill: Technology majors are booming on college campuses, but the digital divide and technology access to education opportunities are barriers rural students face when trying to break into these high-paying fields.
- FedScoop: Microsoft has launched its new Azure OpenAI Service, which allows federal agencies to adapt ChatGPT models for specific tasks while adhering to stringent security and compliance standards.
- StateScoop: State lawmakers are calling on their chief information officers and other technology officials for guidance on AI and support in establishing guardrails that prevent misuse of the technology while still taking advantage of the powers it offers.
- AP: Microsoft and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) face off in court as Microsoft seeks to gain clearance on its aquisition of video game maker Activision Blizzard. The deal has the potential to reshape the video game industry.
- Axios: EU Commissioner Thierry Breton visited San Francisco to deliver two messages to U.S. tech companies regarding Europe’s Digital Services Act: they need to understand what’s expected of them under the strict new rules and to comply with them soon if they want to continue their business in Europe.
Featured Podcast
Microsoft
- Tools and Weapons with Brad Smith
Nadia Calviño is a world leader who has earned a reputation for getting things done. As Spain’s First Vice President and Minister of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation, she created the first national agency for regulating AI. In this episode, she explains how she rearchitected Spain’s economy to embrace AI in every sector while protecting citizens’ digital privacy and safety. She and host Brad Smith discuss how she is ensuring that Spain’s digital transformation uplifts everyone, the importance of digital skilling for people of all ages and genders, and Spain’s groundbreaking charter on digital rights, which is becoming a blueprint not only across Europe and the Spanish-speaking world, but globally. (First Vice President Nadia Calviño: Architecting Spain’s AI future – June 21, 2023)