In my latest R Street Institute blog post, “Mapping the AI Policy Landscape Circa 2023: Seven Major Fault Lines,” I discuss the big issues confronting artificial intelligence and machine learning in the coming year and beyond. I note that the AI regulatory proposals are multiplying fast and coming in two general varieties: broad-based and targeted. Broad-based algorithmic regulation would address the use of these technologies in a holistic fashion across many sectors and concerns. By contrast, targeted algorithmic regulation looks to address specific AI applications or concerns. In the short-term, it is more likely that targeted or “sectoral” regulatory proposals have a chance of being implemented.
I go on to identify seven major issues of concern that will drive these policy proposals. They include:
1) Privacy and Data Collection
2) Bias and Discrimination
3) Free Speech and Disinformation
4) Kids’ Safety
5) Physical Safety and Cybersecurity
6) Industrial Policy and Workforce Issues
7) National Security and Law Enforcement Issues
Of course, each of these issues includes many sub-issues and nuanced concerns. But I also noted that “this list only scratches the surface in terms of the universe of AI policy issues.” Algorithmic policy considerations are now being discussed in many other fields, including education, insurance, financial services, energy markets, intellectual property, retail and trade, and more. I’ll be rolling out a new series of essays examining all these issues throughout the year.
But, as I note in concluding my new essay, the danger of over-reach exists with early regulatory efforts:
AI risks deserve serious attention, but an equally serious risk exists that an avalanche of fear-driven regulatory proposals will suffocate different life-enriching algorithmic innovations. There is a compelling interest in ensuring that AI innovations are developed and made widely available to society. Policymakers should not assume that important algorithmic innovations will just magically come about; our nation must get its innovation culture right if we hope to create a better, more prosperous future.
America needs a flexible governance approach for algorithmic systems that avoids heavy-handed, top-down controls as a first-order solution. “There is no use worrying about the future if we cannot even invent it first,” I conclude.
Additional Reading
- Adam Thierer, “Artificial Intelligence Primer: Definitions, Benefits & Policy Challenges,” Medium, December 2, 2022.
- Neil Chilson & Adam Thierer, “The Coming Onslaught of ‘Algorithmic Fairness’ Regulations,” Regulatory Transparency Project of the Federalist Society, November 2, 2022.
- Adam Thierer, “We Really Need To ‘Have a Conversation’ About AI … or Do We?” Discourse, October 6, 2022.
- Adam Thierer, “How the Embedding of AI Ethics Works in Practice & How It Can Be Improved,” Medium, September 22, 2022.
- Adam Thierer, “No Goldilocks Formula for Content Moderation in Social Media or the Metaverse, But Algorithms Still Help,” Medium, September 13, 2022.
- Adam Thierer, “AI Eats the World: Preparing for the Computational Revolution and the Policy Debates Ahead,” Medium, September 10, 2022.
- Adam Thierer, “‘Running Code and Rough Consensus’ for AI: Polycentric Governance in the Algorithmic Age,” Medium, September 1, 2022.
- Adam Thierer, “AI Governance ‘on the Ground’ vs ‘on the Books,’” Medium, August 19, 2022.
- Adam Thierer, “Why the Future of AI Will Not Be Invented in Europe,” Technology Liberation Front, August 1, 2022.
- Adam Thierer, “Existential Risks & Global Governance Issues around AI & Robotics,” [DRAFT CHAPTER, July 2022].
- Adam Thierer, “How Science Fiction Dystopianism Shapes the Debate over AI & Robotics,” Discourse, July 26, 2022.
- Adam Thierer, “Why is the US Following the EU’s Lead on Artificial Intelligence Regulation?” The Hill, July 21, 2022.
- Adam Thierer, “Algorithmic Auditing and AI Impact Assessments: The Need for Balance,” Medium, July 13, 2022.
- Adam Thierer, “The Proper Governance Default for AI,” Medium, May 26, 2022.
- Adam Thierer, “What I Learned about the Power of AI at the Cleveland Clinic,” Medium, May 6, 2022.
- Adam Thierer, Governing Emerging Technology in an Age of Policy Fragmentation and Disequilibrium, American Enterprise Institute (April 2022).
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