July 28, 2023

Senators in the United States, concerned about the potential hazards of artificial intelligence, will convene hearings later this year to consider appropriate legislative protections.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will conduct the hearings, which will be the first of their type. According to Schumer, there is “real bipartisan interest in AI” and that the hearings are important to “put together AI legislation that encourages innovation but has the safeguards to prevent the liabilities that AI could present.”

Senators from both parties have expressed concern about the possibility for AI to be used to manufacture biological weapons or to disrupt the economy. Given numerous high-profile incidents of AI being exploited for malicious reasons, there is a need to avoid such situations, such as the creation of deepfakes that may be used to propagate disinformation.

Senators will be able to hear from experts on the possible hazards and advantages of AI, according to Schumer. He also stated that the hearings will assist to shape legislation to govern AI.

The sources for this piece include an article in Reuters.