A recent artificial intelligence legislation, initially reported by CNBC, aims to tackle deepfake and non-consensual imagery while simplifying the process for whistleblowers to voice AI-related issues.
The bill is backed by Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., who co-chairs a bipartisan House Task Force on AI alongside Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif. It draws upon suggestions from the task force’s findings.
Lieu described the bill as “a move in the right direction” during a conversation with CNBC.
“It is not intended to be contentious,” he remarked. “It is rooted in bipartisan legislation that colleagues have proposed, as well as the recommendations from the bipartisan House AI Task Force. We are aiming to achieve something this term with this bill.”
Lieu’s proposal sidesteps several contentious topics related to AI, such as whether a federal guideline should override state AI regulations and the necessity of testing protocols for AI applications in sectors like critical infrastructure and education.
The comprehensive bill contains measures to safeguard whistleblowers who disclose AI safety threats or breaches, mandates U.S. involvement in global organizations that create technical standards for AI, and establishes a competitive prize for innovative AI research and development.
Although Lieu’s bill enjoys Obernolte’s support, the Republican is preparing his own AI initiative, which he plans to unveil later this year. Similar to Lieu’s bill, Obernolte’s will be based on the efforts of the bipartisan task force.
