by Graham Galusha
Congressman Ted Lieu’s Youth Advisory Council recently concluded its year long term with an annual Youth Town Hall. The council, established in 2018, provides a platform for adolescent constituents across the 33rd Congressional District to gain insight into the governing process and influence legislative policy. The council began convening monthly in September to discuss legislation in the House and advise Congressman Lieu on issues.
Each youth council representative was tasked with developing a policy proposal to Representative Lieu. The council participants, and Lieu’s legislative team, selected three of the proposals to present at the Youth Town Hall, for eventual introduction in the House Representatives by Congressman Lieu. The Town Hall was hosted by Da Vinci School in El Segundo.
A proposal developed by Peninsula High School Junior Samantha Chang gained particular attention for its attempt to regulate the use of artificial intelligence. The proposal, titled “Artificial Intelligences Content Disclosure Act,” would require disclosing the use of artificially generated content in creative works. Its purpose would be to inform consumers of possible bias and inaccurate information.
“In what felt like an overnight phenomenon,” Chang wrote, “the usage of AI technology quickly infiltrated many facets of our everyday lives. Experts project that the artificial intelligence market will grow 38 percent between 2022 and 2030, and that it will generate $1.8 trillion by 2030.
“AI has become a popular method to create works of art, writing, and films,” Chang wrote. “Although AI has its benefits, I fear it may create an undisclosed source of bias, particularly in articles and other written materials.” Additionally, Chang spoke about the threat the advancement of artificial intelligence poses to many creative industries and employment opportunities in the arts.
Congressman Lieu’s opening remarks at the Youth Town Hall focused primarily on the rise of artificial intelligence and the challenges associated with its regulation.
Growing concern about AI recently prompted Representative Lieu to release a statement regarding his legislative approach to the technology.
“As a recovering computer science major, I’m fascinated by AI and all it can do for us,” Lieu said. However, it is a powerful technology that, if left completely unchecked, could do significant harm. We must ensure that AI develops in a way that prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of Americans.”
Congressman Lieu also used the opportunity to discuss a new National AI Commission Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill to create a commission to investigate methods of regulating AI applications. His proposed commission panel would be “composed of industry specialists, researchers, academics, and those in the creative community who will evaluate the current landscape and make recommendations for a risk-based framework to ensure that we are harnessing the awesome power of this technology while protecting personal safety and national security.”
The congressman emphasized the bill’s importance by concluding, “It’s our responsibility as members of Congress to hear from the experts on this issue and take reasonable, thoughtful action based on their recommendations.”
Lieu has historically championed regulation of the artificial intelligence field. In 2017, he co-founded and co-chaired the Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus, a bipartisan group focused on addressing the policy and regulatory aspects of AI. Through this caucus, Lieu has engaged with experts and industry leaders to understand the challenges and potential of AI. The caucus proposed the Algorithmic Accountability Act, which sought to prevent discriminatory practices by requiring companies to assess and rectify biases in their AI systems.
Lieu, with the support and guidance of his Youth Advisory Council, is making efforts to monitor and regulate the artificial intelligence industry. While he recognizes the enormous potential benefits of the new technologies, regulation he claims is essential to avoiding troublesome issues. ER
