How is the U.S. government regulating artificial intelligence

The definition of ‘artificial intelligence’ refers to a system based on machines capable of making predictions, recommendations, or decisions that impact real or virtual environments, within a specified set of human-defined objectives.

Labor Productivity Gains with AI Implementation

Early adopters of artificial intelligence technology are experiencing significant improvements in labor productivity. For instance, financial services provider Klarna expects its AI assistant tool to enhance its profit outcome by $40 million by the end of 2024. Klarna’s CEO, Sebastian Siemiatkowski, notes that the AI tool, which functions equivalent to 700 full-time agents, efficiently handles the majority of incoming tasks over chat.

Congressional Engagement with Tech Executives

In 2023, Congress engaged in discussions with prominent tech executives, including Sam Altman of OpenAI, to explore the implications of AI. The White House also sought input from industry leaders to navigate the risks and opportunities associated with AI adoption. Despite these conversations, the regulatory landscape in the U.S. remains comparatively lenient, especially when contrasted with the European Union’s recent regulatory measures.

Legislative Response and Concerns

The Senate Task Force on AI has enacted several laws focused on AI research and risk assessment. However, compared to the EU’s initiatives, the U.S. regulatory environment seems less stringent. Economists have raised concerns about AI’s potential to disrupt job markets, echoing past impacts of globalization on blue-collar workers. Lawmakers in New York State have proposed robot taxes to mitigate potential job losses caused by technological advancements, though the bill’s future remains uncertain.

Considerations for Robot Taxes

While some advocate for robot taxes to address workforce displacement, economists suggest setting taxes at a relatively low rate. MIT researchers recommend rates between 1% and 3.7% to balance productivity gains with economic stability. Erik Brynjolfsson highlights the importance of technological growth in boosting productivity, cautioning against measures that could hinder innovation. Despite the potential for automation to transform various industries, Brynjolfsson acknowledges that a fully automated future is not imminent.