Welcome to the rundown of what’s new in the legal realm of artificial intelligence (AI). It’s been an engaging September as a kaleidoscope of events and legislation continues to frame the trajectory of AI and its role in our society. This month’s developments encapsulate an array of areas, from Congress to the Oval Office, and even our courts and state governments.
Following the end of the August recess, the U.S. Congress exhibits a heightened bipartisan interest in scrutinizing and regulating the realm of AI. The commitment of both Democrats and Republicans towards addressing this nascent technology heralds the critical attention AI gains across the political spectrum. As a young field with significant implications, it is essential to keep abreast with the discourse happening in the Congress. You can follow the ongoing debates and pieces of legislation here.
On a higher level of governance, President Biden, too, is joining the fray. The President has recently ratified an Executive Order (EO) specifically targeting outbound investment in AI and similar crucial technologies. This rare move by the President indicates the recognition at the very top of AI’s potential and its implications for national security. The EO is likely to have wide-reaching implications for outbound economic activities related to AI.
Parallel to the Federal activities, there is much happening at the state leadership and local governance level. As the AI arena evolves, it isn’t surprising that individual state legislatures, governors, and even courts are uniquely interpreting and responding to the changes. These regulations and rules emanating from multiple sources are creating a multi-faceted mosaic of AI regulation in the U.S. legal structure.
In conclusion, be it on the federal or local level, AI is reigning the spotlight in U.S. legal and political circles. With the rapidly changing landscape, staying informed and understanding regulatory implications becomes a prerequisite for anyone involved in the AI realm. Legal professionals and corporations should proactively engage in the discourse about AI’s future, etching out a space for the technology that serves societal, economic, and ethical norms.