TL;DR:
- Microsoft’s President, Brad Smith, advocates for AI regulation in a recent address.
- He calls for a new federal agency to oversee AI development and stricter restrictions on the US government’s use of AI tools.
- Smith presents a five-point plan for democratic nations to manage AI risks and promote a liberal vision for technology.
- Microsoft aims to influence AI governance to prevent potential disruptions to society and the economy.
- Regulations should cover data centers, end users, and all stages of AI’s lifecycle and supply chain.
- OpenAI, in which Microsoft has invested, also supports the creation of a government regulator for AI.
- Debate emerges on whether existing federal agencies should handle AI regulation or if a new regulator is needed.
- Smith urges President Biden to issue an executive order implementing a risk management framework for AI procurement.
- Microsoft plans to adopt the framework across its services and publish an annual AI transparency report.
- Microsoft proposes revamped export controls and redundant AI circuit breakers for better AI management.
- Google also released its own proposals, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation and common standards for AI regulation.
Main AI News:
In a recent address delivered in Washington, Microsoft President Brad Smith joined the sprawling global debate on artificial intelligence (AI) regulation. The speech, attended by members of Congress and civil society groups, emphasized the need for a new federal agency to oversee AI development and advocated for the approval of stricter restrictions on the US government’s use of AI tools. Smith highlighted the 21st-century challenge of AI regulation and proposed a comprehensive five-point plan for democratic nations to manage AI risks while fostering a liberal vision for the technology that can rival China’s efforts.
Microsoft’s involvement underscores the company’s desire to shape the rapidly evolving landscape of AI governance, especially in Europe and the United States. As one of the leading players in the AI industry, Microsoft aims to contribute to the establishment of regulations before AI has the potential to disrupt society and the economy. During his hour-long presentation, Smith drew parallels between AI and the printing press, emphasizing how AI can streamline policymaking and improve lawmakers’ engagement with constituents. He stressed the need for the “rule of law” to govern AI at every stage of its lifecycle and supply chain.
According to Smith, regulations should encompass not only the data centers that train large language models but also end users, such as banks and hospitals, who apply AI technology to make life-altering decisions. He expressed confidence in the ability of “the rule of law and a commitment to democracy” to keep technology in check, highlighting that we have successfully achieved this balance in the past and can do so again.
Smith’s call for AI regulation aligns with OpenAI’s recent plea for a new government regulator, an organization in which Microsoft has made substantial investments. OpenAI advocates for a licensing system for cutting-edge AI development, complemented by testing and safety standards, as well as government-mandated disclosure rules. The debate in Washington is increasingly focused on whether a new federal regulator is necessary for policing AI. IBM and other opponents argue that existing federal agencies, with their sector-specific expertise, should integrate AI regulation into their frameworks to address the unique challenges AI presents in each field.
Furthermore, Smith urged President Joe Biden to issue an executive order mandating federal agencies to adopt a risk management framework for AI procurement, developed and published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) earlier this year. This framework, previously mandated by Congress, provides guidelines for the responsible and ethical use of AI by companies. Smith believes that leveraging the immense purchasing power of the US government will shape the AI industry and encourage voluntary adherence to best practices. In support of these principles, Microsoft plans to implement the NIST framework across all its services and publish an annual AI transparency report.
In Microsoft’s proposal, Smith emphasized the necessity of incorporating revamped export controls tailored to the AI age, preventing the technology from being misused by sanctioned entities. Additionally, he suggested the introduction of redundant AI circuit breakers, enabling critical infrastructure providers and data centers to deactivate algorithms if necessary.
Smith’s address and the accompanying policy paper come on the heels of Google’s own proposals for AI regulation, which advocate for global cooperation and the establishment of common standards. Google’s President of Global Affairs, Kent Walker, underscored the importance of regulating AI effectively, emphasizing its significance and the need for responsible oversight.
As the debate surrounding AI regulation intensifies, it is evident that key players in the technology sector are actively shaping the discourse and influencing the future direction of AI governance.
Conlcusion:
The involvement of Microsoft, along with other major players like Google, in advocating for AI regulation signals a significant shift in the market. The call for stricter oversight and the establishment of a new federal agency highlights the growing recognition of the potential risks associated with AI technology. This development is likely to lead to a more regulated and standardized AI market, with increased compliance requirements for companies operating in this space.
Businesses will need to adapt to evolving regulations, integrate responsible AI practices, and ensure transparency in their operations to maintain market competitiveness and meet the expectations of consumers and regulatory authorities. The push for global cooperation and common standards also suggests the need for increased collaboration among industry stakeholders, further shaping the future trajectory of the AI market.
