The Urgency of AI Legislation: An Open Call for Accountability

As the founder of the Voice for Change Foundation and a seasoned data analytics professional, I recently undertook a significant advocacy effort by contacting 40 members of The U.S. Congress.

These members had previously shown their support for ethical AI practices in a joint letter to Mrs. Arati Prabhakar, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. My goal was to discuss the pressing need for the Responsible Advanced Artificial Intelligence Act of 2024, specifically highlighting the urgent concerns regarding AI's unchecked growth and its potential to displace hundreds of thousands of American jobs.

Unfortunately, out of all the communications sent, I received only one substantive response from Rep. Shri Thanedar, as seen below. The majority of other replies seemed to be bot-generated, offering generic acknowledgments without addressing the specific issues raised. Rep. Thanedar’s response, however, recognized the transformative potential of AI and the necessity of methodical regulation to prevent economic disparities. He detailed his support for H.R. 3369, the Artificial Intelligence Accountability Act, which aims to direct the NTIA to study AI advancements and their implications—a step in the right direction, but one that requires urgent bolstering through actionable legislation.

Transparency and the Silence of Accountability:

The absence of responses from the other 39 members raises a concerning possibility: perhaps there is a reluctance to have their communications shared publicly, indicating a hesitation to take accountability for the commitments expressed in the letter they signed. By making these interactions public, my intention is to foster a climate of accountability. It is crucial for policymakers to recognize the urgency of this situation and the real impacts their actions—or inactions—will have on society. With AI technologies advancing rapidly, the window to implement effective safeguards that can prevent severe job losses and societal upheaval is closing quickly.

Why Public Disclosure Matters:

In sharing these communications publicly, I hope to underscore the importance of timely and decisive action from our government. The public deserves to be aware of how our representatives are responding to critical issues, especially those that have far-reaching consequences on our economic and social well-being.

A Call to Action:

This experience reinforces the need for all of us to remain vigilant and proactive. We must continue to push for transparent and accountable leadership in the face of technological advancements. It’s not just about preventing job losses; it’s about ensuring that as we stand on the brink of significant technological transformation, our moves are strategic, inclusive, and above all, swift enough to actually make a difference.

We are at a pivotal moment where the decisions we make—or fail to make—can set the course for our future. Let this be a call to action for everyone from voters to industry leaders to demand more from those in positions of power. Let's ensure that our voices are heard and that the policies enacted reflect both foresight and a deep commitment to the welfare of all citizens.

As we continue to monitor and engage with this issue, I invite you to join me in holding our elected officials accountable by calling their office phone lines, writing them emails, and sending them letters in the mail. I have conveniently provided the contact information for all relevant members of the U.S. Congress at the bottom of this page. The urgency to act is now, and together, we can advocate for a future where technology enhances society, not diminishes it.

Email Content:

Dear Mr. Bihan-Poudec,

Thank you for contacting me to express your thoughts on Artificial Intelligence (AI). I sincerely appreciate your correspondence and welcome this opportunity to respond.
 
As a scientist and entrepreneur, I am excited by the opportunities posed by AI. It has the potential to revolutionize industries, improve efficiency, and address complex societal problems in ways that were previously unimaginable.
 
While the advent of AI is both exciting and hopeful, it is important that we approach the implementation of AI with methodical and well-regulated caution. I believe in setting sensible AI guardrails that will allow for innovation while ensuring privacy and accessibility. We must work towards policies that make AI technology accessible to all, and we must ensure that economic disparities do not hinder access to the benefits of AI. That is why I have cosponsored H.R. 3369, the Artificial Intelligence Accountability Act. This bill will require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to create a study, and report to Congress, about advances in AI technology.
 
I am committed to advancing these principles in Congress and working on legislation that aligns with these values. I believe that by responsibly harnessing AI's power, we can work towards a more equitable future.
 
Thank you for reaching out to me on this important matter. If I can be of further assistance to you on this matter or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact me or my office.

Sincerely,

Rep. Shri Thanedar
Member of Congress

Email Reply:

Email Content:

Subject: Further Thoughts on the Artificial Intelligence Accountability Act and Support for Displaced Workers

Email body:

Dear Rep. Shri Thanedar,

Thank you very much for your prompt and thoughtful response. I appreciate your recognition of the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and your commitment to regulated and equitable advancement in this field through your co-sponsorship of H.R. 3369, the Artificial Intelligence Accountability Act.

While the proposed studies and reports by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) are crucial, the rapidly evolving AI landscape, as highlighted in my previous correspondence and detailed analysis on my blog, necessitates immediate and actionable legislative steps. The potential displacement of hundreds of thousands of jobs by the end of 2024, particularly within the tech sector, underscores a pressing need for legislation that not only studies but actively mitigates these impacts.

In my view, although the bill is a great step in the right direction, it could be further enhanced by addressing the lack of government support for displaced workers. Here are some additional measures I believe could effectively complement the current proposals in the Artificial Intelligence Accountability Act:

• Private Sector Regulation: Mandate that tech companies with significant profits temporarily halt worker displacement. This measure would provide the government time to enhance unemployment services and implement comprehensive reskilling and upskilling programs.

• AI Impact Assessments: Require a comprehensive "AI Impact Assessment" before any AI technology is implemented on a large scale, focusing on job market disruptions and mitigation strategies.

• AI-Enhanced Government Services: Utilize AI to modernize unemployment services, thereby enhancing their capacity to support workers displaced by AI and automation. This also includes advocating for increased unemployment funds through taxpayer contributions.

• Federal Healthcare Support: Ensure that during the transition period, displaced workers receive temporary healthcare support provided by the states, safeguarding their well-being.

• Comprehensive Workforce Transition Programs: Create government-funded retraining programs tailored specifically to industries most affected by AI and automation. These programs should provide both technical and non-technical skills.

• Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage partnerships between the government, academia, and private sector, focusing on developing AI technologies that create new job opportunities.

• Economic Incentives for AI Ethics: Offer tax breaks and other economic incentives to companies that implement ethical AI practices, including transparency in AI decision-making and ensuring AI systems are free from bias.

Given the critical nature of this juncture, I urge you and your colleagues to consider these additional measures as part of the Responsible Advanced Artificial Intelligence Act of 2024.

Furthermore, I would appreciate your feedback on these points and any advice on reaching out to the other 39 members of Congress who signed the joint letter to Director Arati Prabhakar, to start an open dialogue on these critical issues.

Thank you once again for your attention to this pivotal matter. I look forward to your continued action and leadership in Congress to navigate this unprecedented technological frontier.

Kind regards,

Kevin Bihan-Poudec

Founder | Voice for Change Foundation