New rules have been set up in the House of Representatives around how the congressional offices can use AI-powered models like ChatGPT. This becomes the latest move from Washington on how they are grappling with the implications of the recent growth in generative AI.
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WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 18: The House of Representatives continues to debate two Articles of Impeachment of President Donald Trump at US Capitol on December 18, 2019 in Washington, DC.
Restricting Staff on Using AI Models
The congressional office staff is now restricted to use unauthorized artificial intelligence models. According to a memo to House staffers obtained by Axios, House of Representatives Administrative Chief Catherine Szpindor set up narrow conditions where staff is now limited to using ChatGPT Plus due to its enhanced privacy features.
Compared to the free service, Szpindor argued that the $20 monthly subscription's features are necessary when it comes to protecting data from the House. This effort shows how Washington grapples with the implications regarding the recent explosive growth in generative AI legislatively.
No other large language models are now authorized for use. Offices can only use the product strictly for research and evaluations, the staff is also restricted from pasting texts that have not already been made public and only input non-sensitive data into the model, and privacy settings should be enabled to ensure safety when in use.
The announcement comes just a few days after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on Congress to hasten more on passing the new legislation in order to regulate the industry of artificial intelligence. The Verge reported that Schumer laid out a new framework that details the focus of Congress, such as the potential risks of AI to national security and job loss.
While AI could be the most spectacular innovation yet that could contribute to the new era of technological advancement, Schumer believes that innovation can also be done safely to keep the development of AI moving forward.
Introducing Two Bipartisan AI Bills
Earlier this month, two separate bipartisan bills have been introduced to address the advancement of artificial intelligence, following how it gained popularity. Reuters reported that the first bill would require the government to be transparent when using the technology when interacting with people.
This was introduced by Senators Gary Peters, Mike Braun, and James Lankford. The bill postulates the agencies and divisions of the government to create a mechanism to appeal decisions made by the technology. This will make sure that humans are still leading the conversation and creating decisions, promoting proactiveness and transparency.
Also Read: Fake AI Chatbot Apps Are Spreading: Here's How to Avoid Being Tricked
Meanwhile, the other bill aims to establish an office to determine the country's competitiveness in the latest technologies revolving around AI. The Global Technology Leadership Act would create an office consisting of experts from the industry, the Pentagon, and other related and relevant agencies.
This will be the counterpart for other departments in the country that process comparisons with other countries' critical technologies. The bill was introduced by Senators Michael Bennet, Mark Warner, and Todd Young.
Related Article: US Congress Introduce Two Bipartisan Bills, Addressing Concerns Surrounding Artificial Intelligence
