Artificial intelligence is causing chaos in US elections, with misinformation spreading through deepfakes and AI-created content.
This has led to urgent calls for new laws to prevent the overwhelming scale of AI-driven misinformation. However, with just nine months until the elections, there are few signs that Congress is ready to pass any meaningful legislation on AI.
Despite high-profile hearings and closed-door sessions that drew influential tech figures, it appears that congressional gridlock may hinder efforts to address AI-powered discrimination, copyright infringement, job losses, and election and national security threats. The hope for a wide-ranging AI bill this year is dimming, and it is unlikely that something comprehensive will come together in the legislative days left.
Even if Congress does manage to pass an AI regulation bill, it is expected to be less ambitious in scope than initially suggested. Lawmakers are still expressing optimism about regulating the AI industry, but there is a lack of clear progress. Many proposals have been unveiled, including bans on deceptive AI deepfakes and preventing AI from launching US nuclear weapons. Bipartisan discussions have continued, and there is a push to pass 5 to 10 AI bills this year.
The lack of progress poses a risk as the tech industry continues to advance AI development faster than policymakers can keep up. If Congress fails to pass AI legislation this year, it will leave the 2024 elections exposed, with a limited window to act before needing to break for August recess. Meanwhile, other governments, including the European Union, are making progress in regulating AI.
The deadlock could potentially be broken if Congress reaches a deal on a nationwide bill guaranteeing every American a fundamental right to digital privacy. However, there is still a lack of clear plan for getting these proposals to the President’s desk, and the current state of the House Republican majority further complicates the situation.
In conclusion, the urgency to pass comprehensive legislation on AI is increasingly apparent, and the failure to do so may lead to serious consequences in the 2024 elections and beyond. With the rapid advancement of AI and the risks it poses, it is vital for Congress to step up and address this issue before it is too late.
