Artificial Intelligence

Emerging Approaches for Governing AI

We are in a period of rapid innovation in the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI).

Advances in generative AI—which can produce images and text from brief verbal prompts—captured the public’s attention in late 2022. Rapidly advancing AI tools known as large language models (LLMs) enable deep analysis and the generation of new images, text, software code, and even ideas.

These technologies are entering the marketplace and are already being used by researchers to advance scientific discovery. Emerging AI technologies have the potential to accelerate advances in medicine, agriculture, transportation, education, energy, and more.

But AI also raises understandable concerns that need to be addressed on several fronts. How can we ensure that these technologies are designed and used responsibly—and that the benefits of AI reach everyone? What principles and guardrails should guide the development and use of AI?

AI Policymaking

Government has long played a role protecting consumers through laws and regulations. AI developers, the larger business community, organizations, institutions, government, and consumers would all benefit from public policies that foster innovation through responsible AI while providing meaningful protections.

As a first foray into AI policymaking in his second term, President Trump rescinded a 2023 Biden Administration executive order on AI and issued his own AI executive order, which calls for the development of an AI Action Plan.

Microsoft’s Five-Point Blueprint for Governing AI

In May 2023, Microsoft released a white paper that includes a five-point blueprint for addressing several current and emerging AI issues through public policy, law, and regulation. The blueprint was presented with the recognition that it would benefit from a broader, multi-stakeholder discussion and require deeper development.

We encourage you to access the white paper for a detailed discussion about each of the five points in the blueprint. The white paper also includes a section entitled, “Responsible by Design: Microsoft’s Approach to Building AI Systems that Benefit Society.”

Microsoft also committed to supporting innovation and competition through a set of AI Access Principles. Under these principles, the company will make AI tools and development models widely available as well as provide flexibility for developers to use Microsoft Azure for AI innovations. The principles also include commitments to support AI skilling and sustainability.

Microsoft Principles and Recommendations

Microsoft has acknowledged that while new laws and regulations are needed, tech companies need to act responsibly. To this end, the company has adopted six AI principles to guide its approach to this powerful technology:

• Fairness
• Reliability and Safety
• Privacy and Security
• Inclusiveness
• Transparency
• Accountability

Microsoft has also endorsed the development of policy guardrails built around the following goals:

• Ensuring that AI is built and used responsibly and ethically.
• Ensuring that AI advances international competitiveness and national security.
• Ensuring that AI serves society broadly, not narrowly.

Voices for Innovation will support public policies that help achieve these goals. We encourage our members to explore this issue in greater detail using the resources below. Technology professionals, including VFI members, can bring their valuable expertise to discussions about AI—with family, friends, colleagues, and policymakers.

We will continue to listen closely to this discussion and will keep our membership informed about proposed AI policies as they are developed in Washington and state capitals.

Resources