Democracy Rules

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a computer to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings, such as the ability to reason, discover meaning, generalize, and learn from past experience. AI is now used in limited applications such as medical diagnosis, computer search engines, and voice or handwriting recognition. Supporters claim AI has the potential to transform every sector of our economy and society by powering the information economy, fostering better informed decisions, and helping unlock answers to questions that are currently unanswerable. However, many people are worried about the future of AI - including those involved with creating that very future. Tech executives and CEOs from AI corporations have signed a simple-yet-haunting 22-word statement about the potential dangers of AI: “Mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war.” Surveys now show 61% of respondents fear that AI poses a risk to humanity. The most recent dismissal of AI has largely focused on chatGPT, which has been widely attacked for being inaccurate, biased, and almost human: “the bot can become aggressive, condescending, threatening, committed to political goals, clingy, creepy, and a liar.”

By analyzing patterns in people's online activities and social media interactions, AI algorithms can predict what a person is likely to do next. Some of the biggest risks today include consumer privacy, biased programming, danger to humans, job displacement, and unclear legal regulation. The World Economic Forum has estimated that artificial intelligence will replace some 85 million jobs by 2025. With the acceptance of autonomous robots and generative AI, artificial intelligence will eventually transform virtually every existing industry. Cyberattacks that employ AI techniques have become more prevalent. Cybercriminals can misuse these attacks to gain ill intent, utilizing AI-enhanced tools like deep fake videos, chatbots, and fake audio to deceive and manipulate individuals or systems.

Critics say top AI labs acknowledge that extensive research has shown AI systems with human-competitive intelligence can pose profound risks to society and humanity. They say advanced AI could represent a profound change in the history of life on Earth, and should be planned for and managed with commensurate care and resources. They also worry governments around the world will use AI to develop weapons before anything else, and that AI is not "necessary for anything we're doing.” AI developers also admit AI could become self-aware one day and have feelings and emotions that mimic those of humans. It is estimated that AI’s point of singularity - the hypothetical future of machines with the cognitive capacity equal to humans – is only about 8 years away. After that point, machines will far exceed human intelligence.

Pending Resolution: H.Res.66 - Expressing support for Congress to focus on artificial intelligence
Sponsor: Rep. Ted Lieu (CA)
Status: House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
Chairperson: Rep. Frank Lucas (OK)

I oppose reforming current artificial intelligence policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA).
I Support a congressional focus on artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure (a.) it is developed in a safe and ethical manner that respects the rights and privacy of Americans, and (b.) a wide distribution of AI benefits and minimization of risks. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Frank Lucas (OK) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.