The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology presents a notable shift in sectors ranging from energy to telecommunications and healthcare. Such advancements could drastically improve worker proficiency, thus contributing to economic growth in the United States. However, unlocking these potential benefits requires a fundamental approach emphasizing a national data privacy standard, according to Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.).
AI tools have indicated the capacity to optimize American energy supplies, increase internet speeds, and facilitate lifesaving medical diagnoses. The technology hinges on data as a fundamental nutrient; the more we feed AI systems with information, the more intelligent and efficient they can become. However, this increased dependence on AI systems raises pertinent questions about transparency and the potential for abuse.
Concerningly, if misused, AI can amplify cybercriminals’ potential threats to our critical infrastructure, generate deepfake content for scams, and augment government and corporate abilities to track and profile US consumers. Hence, the demand for comprehensive privacy standards to guard against such risks while facilitating the benefits of AI technology constitutes a significant challenge our society must confront.
The Congress is working on data privacy and security legislation, fostering robust privacy protections and returning data control to the individuals. Current efforts are proceeding through multiple hearings, discussing how AI may bolster US competitiveness across various economic sectors and the role of sensible data privacy and security safeguards in realizing this potential.
A national privacy standard proposed focuses on limiting the ways companies collect, store, and sell sensitive information; regulating the use of individual profiles to track, predict, and manipulate behavior for profit; and preventing harmful data practices targeted at children.
The integration of AI technology into business practices, and its potential to feed machine learning, necessitates swift congressional action. Establishing a national data privacy and security standard embodies a critical step towards ensuring the responsible use of AI, preserving privacy and security, and promoting innovative use of the technology.
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Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) represents Washington’s fifth congressional district. She is chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and leads the committee’s AI and data privacy efforts.
Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) represents California’s 23rd congressional district. He co-chairs the Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus and brings 30 years of experience from his video game development company.
For more information, including added perspectives on privacy law, read here: Data Protection Leaders Differ on Powers of New US Privacy Law.
Original article: AI’s Rise Flags Need for Federal Privacy and Security Protection.