Co-PI, Woodrow Hartzog, provided testimony on the future of AI legislation in front of the Senate Judiciary’s Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law on September 12, 2023.
In his testimony, Professor Hartzog discusses the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) and emphasizes the inadequacy of current industry-led policy approaches. While he acknowledges the importance of measures such as transparency, bias mitigation, and ethical principles, Professor Hartzog argues that these are insufficient “half-measures” that fail to fully protect the public. He recommends that lawmakers go beyond these approaches by: (1) acknowledging that AI systems are not neutral and must be regulated, (2) focus on substantive interventions that limit the abuses of power inherent in AI systems, and (3) resist the narrative that AI systems are inevitable by imposing strong rules and outright prohibitions where necessary. Lastly, Professor Hartzog calls for a comprehensive, substantive strategy to regulate AI and ensure its development aligns with human values and societal well-being.
A recording of the oral testimony and written testimonies and questions can be found here.
Media Coverage:
A view from DC: The professor and the politicos, IAPP| United States Privacy Digest, September 15, 2023.