US Government Seeks Public Input on AI Accountability Amid Rapid Growth of ChatGPT
Washington, D.C. (Reuters) – The US government is inviting public comments on possible measures to hold AI systems accountable. This decision comes as concerns increase about ChatGPT and similar applications and their impact on national security and education.
Fastest Growing Consumer Application: ChatGPT Under Scrutiny
ChatGPT, an AI program that can quickly generate responses to a wide variety of queries, has grabbed public attention, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history with over 100 million monthly active users. As its popularity soars, US lawmakers are scrutinizing ChatGPT for possible AI accountability measures.
National Telecommunications and Information Administration Seeks Input
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which advises the White House on telecommunications and information policy, has requested input, noting the “growing regulatory interest” in an AI “accountability mechanism.” The agency aims to determine the measures to ensure that AI systems are “legal, effective, ethical, safe, and otherwise trustworthy.”
Responsible AI Systems Could Bring Enormous Benefits
NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson says that “responsible AI systems could bring enormous benefits, but only if we address their potential consequences and harms. For these systems to reach their full potential, companies and consumers need to be able to trust them.”
President Biden Calls for Tech Company Responsibility
Biden administration emphasized that AI safety is paramount, stating that “tech companies have a responsibility to make sure their products are safe before making them public.”
OpenAI’s ChatGPT Under the Spotlight
OpenAI’s ChatGPT is behind the recent surge in AI’s popularity, and is supported by Microsoft Corp. However, the AI program has also been criticized for inaccuracies and bias.
NTIA Plans to Draft a Comprehensive AI Report
NTIA intends to draft a report as part of its efforts to ensure AI systems “work as claimed – and without causing harm.” The report will also help guide the Biden Administration’s ongoing efforts to approach to AI-related risks and opportunities.
Tech Ethics Group Urges Federal Trade Commission to Take Action
The Center for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Policy, a tech ethics group, has urged the US Federal Trade Commission to stop OpenAI from releasing new commercial versions of GPT-4. They claim it poses a risk to privacy and public safety.
Source: Reuters