The Urgent Call for Unified Action in AI Policy: A Plea from an Expat's Perspective

As an expatriate who has called the United States home for the past 15 years, I am tirelessly working to avert an impending crisis. The rapid transition into the artificial intelligence era poses unprecedented challenges, and I am dedicating day and night to advocate for a future where technology benefits all. It's time for an urgent dialogue on AI policy and protection.

Across the globe, countries like India, Singapore, and European nations are taking progressive steps to address the tidal wave of disruption caused by AI, particularly in the job market. From fast-food employees to CEOs, no one is immune; even a company recently replaced its CEO with an AI for a mere $20/month subscription. The United States cannot afford to be the next Titanic, slowly sinking due to inaction by its policymakers.

I am baffled at the sluggish pace of the U.S. government in addressing these concerns. The Hollywood writers' strike last summer was a stark reminder of the turmoil that arises when livelihoods are threatened. If other nations are setting the pace in establishing AI boundaries, why is the U.S. lagging, especially when bipartisanship and electoral politics seem to cloud the gravity of the situation?

Through my foundation, Voice for Change, I'm calling for U.S. Senators, Congressmen, and Congresswomen to make Ethical AI one of their top priorities. My recent correspondences with Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Derek Kilmer’s office emphasize the need for swift legislative action to address AI's potential for job displacement, privacy violations, and political misinformation.

The urgency is palpable. We need to set aside bipartisan differences and focus on the larger picture. It's not just about the upcoming election; it's about the fundamental human rights and wellbeing of American citizens.

As an advocate, not a U.S. citizen, I'm pouring every ounce of effort to bridge the communication gap between politicians. Whether Democrat or Republican, it is crucial to reach a consensus on immediate and proactive measures to govern AI. Our economic stability, workforce, and the very fabric of society depend on these decisions.

Let’s not wait for every sector to strike in desperation. The time to establish "boundaries on AI" is now, not next year, after elections have passed. We need proactive legislation that reflects comprehensive studies, international cooperation, and immediate relief for those displaced. As the IMF warns of AI's impact on global employment, we must act decisively.

The United States has the potential to lead in Ethical AI, ensuring that technology advancements don't come at the cost of human dignity and employment. Let’s make ethical AI decisions now to shape our nation for generations to come. The sinking ship can still be steered to safety, but only if we act immediately and collectively.

Stay connected with the Voice for Change Foundation as we strive to ensure that AI serves humanity, not the other way around. The clock is ticking, and we must harness this moment to protect the American dream and ensure it adapts, survives, and thrives in the AI era.

Read my recent correspondence with the office of Representative Derek Kilmer on April 29th

Content of the email:

Subject: Addressing the Challenges of AI: A Critical Dialogue on Policy and Protection

Email content:

Dear (Representative of Kilmer’s office)

Thank you for getting back to me in regards to my earlier correspondence. I would like to take this opportunity to provide specific questions and concerns that I believe warrant urgent discussion, particularly as we navigate the complexities of the Responsible Advanced AI Act of 2024.

Given the profound implications of AI technologies for our democracy and workforce, I urge a direct dialogue to explore the following points:

1. Details on AI Working Group Initiatives:

What specific goals does the New Democrat Coalition's AI Working Group have regarding synthetic media? What measures are being considered to enhance detection and disclosure of AI-generated content, including deepfakes and propaganda, across platforms?

2. Impact of Meta’s AI Labeling Plan:

How does Congress view its role in standardizing AI content labeling practices? What steps are proposed to ensure uniform application of these measures across all digital platforms, including during the upcoming presidential elections?

3. Coordination with Social Media Giants:

What efforts are being made to align federal legislative goals with corporate policies on AI content labeling? How do we plan to mitigate misinformation and propaganda effectively?

4. Legislative Actions Post-Meta's Announcement:

What legislative actions are being contemplated following Meta's announcement on AI-generated content labeling?

5. Regulation of Synthetic Media:

How can Congress act to ensure accurate labeling of all AI-generated media involving political figures to prevent misinformation, particularly as it pertains to upcoming elections?

6. Specific Provisions of the AI Act:

Can you discuss the provisions of the Responsible Advanced AI Act of 2024, especially those protecting the workforce from AI-induced displacement?

I would also like to inform you of my recent correspondence with U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, which you can read below, who emphasized the urgent need for firm AI guidelines and regulatory oversight. Senator Blumenthal’s correspondence discusses the potential of AI to perpetuate harms such as political misinformation and privacy violations, and he detailed legislative efforts, including the introduction of a bipartisan framework and a bill to limit liability protections for AI companies.

The parallel concerns raised by Senator Blumenthal underscore the immediate need for a collaborative approach to this multifaceted issue. It is my hope that by sharing these insights, we can enrich our upcoming discussion and work towards robust solutions that address the critical challenges presented by AI.

I look forward to finding a time for a call to discuss these matters in more depth.

Sincerely,

Kevin Bihan-Poudec

Founder, Voice for Change Foundation

info@voiceforchangefoundation.org

www.VoiceForChangeFoundation.org

Email received from Senator Blumenthal on April 29th:

Dear Mr. Bihan-Poudec,

     Thank you for contacting me about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI). I appreciate hearing from you.

     In recent years, the capabilities of AI have advanced far beyond what anyone could have ever imagined — with potential breakthroughs in the fields of medicine, transportation, and more. Though AI shows great promise for the future, we must approach this technology with strong caution. In the wrong set of hands, AI can be harnessed to perpetuate severe harms, ranging from political misinformation to violations of user privacy. I worry that as AI companies rush to release new products and features, these risks will become a reality.

     I believe we need to establish firm guidelines regarding the use of AI. We simply cannot sit back and let AI companies self-regulate. Congress must step in and find ways in which companies can safely and responsibly deploy AI. But in doing so, we must also ensure that the United States remains a global leader and innovator in AI technologies.

     To that end, I am holding a series of hearings where I have questioned experts from both academia and the private sector on the risks, rewards, and regulatory challenges of AI. To date, I have had the chance to speak with some of the biggest names in AI, including Sam Altman of OpenAI, Dario Amodei of Anthropic, and Brad Smith of Microsoft. There, I asked them about the effects of AI on the labor market, the feasibility of various safety measures such as independent audits and accuracy “score cards,” as well as the possibility of international cooperation in regulating AI. Their valuable insight has brought us one step closer to effectively governing AI technologies.

     I have also worked alongside Senator Hawley of Missouri on this matter. Our recently introduced bipartisan framework outlines the objectives we think are essential to AI legislation going forward. This framework calls for an independent AI licensing and oversight body, controls to limit access by foreign adversaries, and more. Senator Hawley and I have also cosponsored a bill, S.1993, to prevent AI companies from claiming liability from Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934. Since the bill’s introduction this June, it has been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

     As Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, AI technologies fall in my jurisdiction and are of great importance to me. I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind as the Senate considers further legislation regulating the use of AI.

     Thank you again for your message. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you further questions or concerns. 

Sincerely,

Richard Blumenthal
United States Senate

Email response sent on April 29th to U.S Senator Blumenthal

Subject: Urgent Follow-Up on AI Impact and Worker Displacement

Email Content:

Dear Senator Blumenthal,

Thank you for your detailed response and for shedding light on the legislative efforts surrounding the governance of artificial intelligence technologies. Your commitment to establishing a robust regulatory framework is both noted and deeply appreciated.

I would like to delve deeper into a few areas of concern, particularly regarding the direct effects of AI on the labor market and the specific measures to aid displaced workers. With rapid advancements from tech giants and various industries, such as the recent developments with Meta’s Llama 3 and Sam Altman’s forthcoming “Sora,” the potential for significant disruption in the animation and film industries, respectively, raises urgent questions:

1. Impact on Employment Categories: 

Could you elaborate on the different sectors or job categories most at risk from AI advancements, and what preemptive measures are being considered to protect these jobs?

2. Re-skilling Initiatives: 

What federal programs or initiatives are being considered or developed to assist workers in transitioning to new roles or industries less likely to be affected by AI automation?

3. Regulatory Measures: 

What specific regulatory measures are being considered to ensure that AI deployment in various industries does not lead to significant job displacement without adequate safety nets for affected workers?

4. AI in Workforce Development: 

How does the government plan to leverage AI positively in workforce development and job creation? Are there particular sectors where AI might help create more jobs than it displaces?

5. Impact Studies: 

Has the government commissioned or do they plan to commission comprehensive studies to better understand AI’s long-term impacts on the labor market across different regions and industries?

6. International Cooperation: 

Considering the global nature of technology and labor markets, how is the U.S. collaborating with other nations to manage the employment impacts of AI universally?

7. Immediate Relief for Displaced Workers: 

What immediate actions are being considered to provide relief to workers already displaced by AI and automation? How are these measures being tailored to address the needs of affected individuals across different sectors?

8. Comprehensive Impact Studies: 

Given the transformative potential of tools like “Sora,” which was announced by Sam Altman himself for release to the public later this year, what steps are being taken to ensure comprehensive impact studies are conducted before their widespread deployment? How can we ensure these studies are thorough and reflect genuine societal impacts?

9. Legislative Timeliness: 

With the Artificial Intelligence Accountability Act of 2024 on the horizon and considering the imminent election year challenges, what can be done to expedite legislative actions? Is there a 30, 60, 90-day plan to address these critical issues in the interim?

The urgency of these questions cannot be overstated. As the chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, recently highlighted, AI could affect up to 40% of global employment, with potentially even more severe impacts in advanced economies like ours. The potential for 60% workforce disruption in the United States presents a scenario we cannot afford to ignore.

I am pleading on behalf of all American citizens for decisive, swift action that will safeguard our economic stability and protect our workforce from irreversible damage. Our community, our families, and future generations depend on the choices made during this critical period.

Thank you once again for your dedication to this cause. I look forward to your thoughts on these pressing issues and your continued leadership in ensuring a balanced approach to AI governance that prioritizes human welfare.

Sincerely,

Kevin Bihan-Poudec 

Founder | Voice For Change Foundation 

info@voiceforchangefoundation.org

www.VoiceForChangeFoundation.org



Hi Kevin,

Thank you for reaching out to Representative Kilmer’s office. I understand that you wanted to be in touch regarding the Responsible Advanced AI Act of 2024. I’d be happy to pass along any thoughts you have about this bill and subject, but please let me know if you’d prefer to find time for a call.

Thanks again.

Best,

(Representative of Kilmer’s office)

Office of Representative Derek Kilmer

1226 LHOB, Washington, DC 20515