Why the U.S. Must Monitor Generative AI

(NewsUSA) - On a global level, models of governance for artificial intelligence (AI) are on display for judgement and potential adoption, and the United States is poised to shape the future geopolitical order by providing an effective, democratic model for generative AI governance, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a bipartisan nonprofit organization.

Although the U.S. has established governance mechanisms that can be adapted to address imminent threats to society from generative AI (GenAI), we also must explore new approaches, as well as international governance mechanisms to address the global issues raised by GenAI.

The rapid advancement of GenAI has several near-term implications for society, including threats to democratic values such as privacy, nondiscrimination, fairness, and accountability.

“Synthetic media is nearly, or at least soon will be, indiscernible from truth and GenAI allows for increased volume,” according to SCSP.

The U.S. government should utilize existing capabilities to address the most pressing concerns presented by GenAI to society, while continuing to explore additional mechanisms.

To that end, SCSP advises attention to four key areas:

Domestic Election Systems. To protect U.S. digital information and elections systems, SCSP recommends a voluntary standard of conduct for synthetic media in advance of the 2024 elections. This standard could be based on existing guidance, such as the Partnership on AI’s Responsible Practices for Synthetic Media. In addition, Congress should increase public digital literacy education and disinformation awareness to alert the public of the use of synthetic media in federal elections.

Domestic Regulatory Needs. The United States should consider a flexible AI governance model that includes four principles previously identified by SCSP: govern AI use cases and outcomes by sector; empower and modernize existing regulators, while considering a longer-term centralized AI regulatory authority; focus on highly consequential uses, both beneficial and harmful significant impacts; and strengthen non-regulatory AI governance, such as the voluntary codes of conduct, with input from industry and key stakeholders.

Digital Platforms from Countries of Concern. An increased number of United States voters use foreign digital platforms from countries of concern, and these platforms are converging with GenAI. For example, ByteDance has incorporated a chatbot into TikTok in Southeast Asia. GenAI presents the possibility of increasing the volume and speed of malign content on platforms.

Governing Transnational Generative AI Challenges. GenAI’s transnational nature makes international mechanisms essential to domestic governance. GenAI’s risks cut across borders and affect sovereignty, social harms, and legitimate law enforcement needs.

Visit scsp.ai for more information.