Representative Ted Lieu introduces new bill to regulate AI like ChatGPT

WASHINGTON — One way to get Congress to support the regulation of artificial intelligence is to use it to draft a resolution calling for it.

At least, that’s what Rep. Ted Lieu, D-California hopes. He is introducing a non-binding measure on Thursday that would order the House of Representatives to consider artificial intelligence, a bill drafted entirely by online AI chatbot ChatGPT.

With a simple prompt, Lieu was able to generate a standard congressional resolution. It read, “You are Congressman Ted Lieu. Draft a comprehensive congressional resolution generally expressing support for Congress to focus on AI. »

The resolution does not state that it was written using artificial intelligence.

Recognizing the potential positive impacts of artificial intelligence, Lieu’s resolution specifically outlines “Congress’s responsibility to ensure that the development and deployment of AI is done in a way that is safe, ethical, and respectful of human rights and privacy of all Americans”.

Lieu is also pushing for Congress to create a new, nonpartisan commission that would provide recommendations on how to regulate AI.

“Rapid advances in AI technology have made it clear that the time to act is now to ensure that AI is used in ways that are safe, ethical and beneficial to society,” ChatGPT wrote in an op-ed. Location published in the New York Times earlier this week. “Failure to do so could lead to a future where the risks of AI far outweigh its benefits.”

The rise of artificial intelligence and tools like ChatGPT are already raising concerns about cheating in the classroom, but Lieu, who is one of a handful of congressmen with a background in technology, wrote in her op-ed. of the Times that some of the damage associated with AI could even be “lethal”.

“As one of only three members of Congress with a degree in computer science, I am fascinated by AI and excited about the incredible ways it will continue to advance society. And as a member of Congress , I am scared of AI, especially AI that is unchecked and unregulated,” he wrote.

Lieu isn’t the first member of Congress to bring artificial intelligence to the House chamber. 34-year-old Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., delivered a speech Wednesday on the House floor written by Chat GPT. Auchincloss said he wanted to shine a light on the issue for Congress “so that we now have a focused policy debate for AI, and we’re not 10 years behind like I think a lot of policy were for social media.”

Chairman Kevin McCarthy told reporters Tuesday that all members of the House Intelligence Committee will take AI and Quantum courses, the same training that military generals receive, McCarthy noted. “We want to be able to talk about protecting our country and national security.”

When asked if Congress needs to learn to at least understand the technology, Senate Republican number three John Thune, R-Sd., said it’s something that could have serious implications.

“I have my own challenges with basic intelligence,” joked Thune. “But certainly, I think we have to figure it out.”