The state is studying the use of AI in government as well as drafting risk assessment regulations for businesses.
09/07/2023 2:15 P.M.
3 minute read
California is embarking on a statewide effort to study the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI), as well as its risks, to create a responsible process for use of the technology within state government, according to a news release from Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The governor signed an executive order (PDF) on the study Sept. 6.
In addition to risk analysis requirements for state agencies and departments and the need to analyze the impact that adopting GenAI tools may have on vulnerable communities, the order also outlines plans to engage with legislative partners and key stakeholders to develop policy recommendations for responsible use of AI, including any guidelines, criteria, reports and/or training.
Gov. Newsom’s office will work throughout the next year with the state’s workforce to implement the order and engage with the state legislator and stakeholders to develop policy recommendations.
The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) is also reviewing draft risk assessment regulations (PDF) for businesses “whose processing of consumers’ personal information prevents significant risks to consumers’ privacy or security.”
The draft regulations, slated for review at the CPPA Sept. 8 board meeting, also cover cybersecurity audits and examples of when a business should conduct a risk assessment.
Federal Actions
In related news, the federal government is working on several programs to advance research and development of AI as well as to ensure consumer protection, ACA International previously reported.
The White House Office of Science and Technology (OSTP) sought comments on a Request for Information (PDF) on national AI priorities.
ACA responded with comments (PDF) outlining the use of AI in the accounts receivable management (ARM) industry and recommendations for federal officials developing a national AI strategy.
The programs under consideration through the request for information (RFI) include an updated strategic plan (PDF) to prioritize investments and goals in AI research and development, as well as a request for public comment on critical AI issues, such as mitigating AI risks.
The proposed programs also reference a new report on the risks and opportunities related to AI in education from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology. The report, Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning: Insights and Recommendations (PDF), summarizes “the risks and opportunities related to AI in teaching, learning, research, and assessment.”
ACA stressed in its comments that the ARM industry’s use of AI allows consumers to access the information and certain services they need when it is most convenient for them, which is often outside of normal business hours, ACA previously reported.
In April, several federal agencies released a policy statement on the use of artificial intelligence products under existing laws, particularly to ensure that consumers aren’t discriminated against by the algorithms companies use for loans or other financial products, ACA previously reported.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission participated in the interagency statement (PDF).
Meanwhile, lawmakers have their own proposals in the works as AI technology continues to expand in the U.S, Roll Call reports.
A bipartisan proposal in the U.S. House of Representatives would create a national commission to study AI technology, and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., has proposed a regulatory framework, according to the article.
The commission would recommend “regulatory and enforcement actions” to Congress.
Schumer’s proposal, the Security, Accountability, Foundations, Explain (SAFE) Innovation framework (PDF), presents steps to “protect, expand, and harness AI’s potential,” his office said.
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