When talking about artificial intelligence (AI), the conversation inevitably turns to the necessity of regulation. Yet, the question of who will spearhead and enforce these crucial legislative and policy frameworks remains unanswered. Recently, I had the privilege of participating in the Milken Institute panel, ‘AI’s Ethical Frontier: Responsible Regulation…by Whom?’. Moderated by Jo Ling Kent, Senior Business and Technology Correspondent at CBS News, I was joined by Rob Bonta, Attorney General of California; Rob Silvers, Under Secretary for Policy at the US Department of Homeland Security; will.i.am, the President and Founder of i.am Angel Foundation; and Frankie Williams, the Chief Legal Officer of DeepL. Together, we delved into the complexity of AI regulation and the importance of addressing ethical concerns to ensure that AI benefits society while minimizing harm.
During our discussion, we explored the recent actions on AI regulation within Capitol Hill and the White House, debating the potential benefits of AI across various sectors while addressing the need to mitigate risks and implement safeguards to prevent harm to individuals and critical systems. Rob Silver from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) outlined efforts to develop operational guidelines for companies providing essential services, ensuring the safe integration of AI technologies. California Attorney General, Rob Bonta, highlighted the need for existing laws and new regulations to address AI-related issues such as robocalls and online child safety.
Chief Legal Officer of DeepL, Frankie Williams, explained the European Union’s AI Act, highlighting its risk-based approach and the challenges of regulating rapidly evolving technology. She compared the EU’s civil law system with the common law systems in the US and UK, noting potential differences in regulatory approaches. Together, we explored the existing regulatory framework in the EU, and Frankie shed light on how this might impact AI regulation globally.
We also examined the legal and ethical challenges surrounding AI regulation and implementation, highlighting the legal uncertainties regarding AI, including intellectual property, liability in accidents involving autonomous vehicles, and data privacy. Rob Bonta discussed the enforcement of existing laws and hinted at potential future legal actions against the misuse of AI technologies. He acknowledged the need for new regulations and suggested that states may lead the way in developing comprehensive AI legislation. Undersecretary Silvers emphasised the importance of educating communities about the ethical implications of AI, suggesting that federal regulation of AI safety is inevitable and could align with existing regulatory frameworks.
As AI continues to evolve, stakeholders across government, industry, and civil society must collaborate effectively to establish robust regulatory frameworks that promote innovation while safeguarding against potential harm. You can watch our full discussion here.
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