Regulatory efforts for artificial intelligence (AI) development are becoming a pressing matter. In the United Kingdom, officials have proposed licensing AI technology, similar to pharmaceutical or nuclear power companies, as per a report by the Guardian. The intention is to focus on regulating AI at the developmental level, rather than attempting to ban the technology. A digital spokesperson for the Labour Party, Lucy Powell, emphasizes that the lack of regulation for large language models can lead to concerns regarding how they are built, managed, and controlled.
This idea of licensing AI has been echoed by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham during a congressional hearing in May. OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, agreed with the idea and even recommended the formation of a new federal agency to set standards and practices. Comparisons have been drawn between AI technology and nuclear power, as noted by famed investor Warren Buffett, underlining that AI cannot be “uninvented.”
The potential dangers of AI have also been addressed by artificial intelligence pioneer, Geoffrey Hinton, who resigned from Google in May to freely discuss these concerns. Last week, a letter published by the Center for AI Safety stated that “mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war.” Among the signatories were Altman, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, and Stability AI CEO, Emad Mostaque.
However, one must recognize the rapid development and application of AI technology, which has invoked concerns about bias, discrimination, and surveillance. Powell believes that these issues can be mitigated by requiring developers to be more transparent about their data. She asserts the need for an active, interventionist government approach rather than a laissez-faire one.
Proponents of licensing AI argue that it could provide greater oversight of the technology’s development, enhancing safety and reducing potential pitfalls. Critics, on the other hand, may argue that it could stifle innovation and hinder the progress of AI advancements if regulation becomes too stringent or bureaucratic.
In conclusion, regulating artificial intelligence is a complex and pressing topic, with both proponents and critics offering valid arguments. Adopting a licensing model, as proposed by UK officials and supported by industry leaders such as Sam Altman, may provide a way to address concerns surrounding the rapid development and potential risks associated with AI technology. As the debate continues, safeguarding both the advancement of AI and society’s interest will require a balanced approach that encourages innovation while ensuring safety and accountability.
Source: Decrypt
