In a recent interview at the Mobile World Congress tech trade show in Barcelona, Spain, Salesforce’s chief ethical and humane use officer, Paula Goldman, expressed her optimism about the future of AI regulation in the United States. She believes that there is momentum towards concrete AI laws and that federal legislation is not far off. Goldman highlighted the increasing bipartisan support for AI laws among U.S. lawmakers and pointed out the efforts of individual states to develop their own regulations.
Goldman emphasized the importance of ensuring that U.S. lawmakers can agree on AI laws and work towards passing them soon. She also stressed the significance of international frameworks like the EU AI Act and the developments in the U.K. She stated that it is crucial for these frameworks to be interoperable to facilitate global collaboration on AI regulation.
While acknowledging the possibility of state-by-state legislation in the absence of federal laws, Goldman noted that this approach is suboptimal. She expressed her optimism about the bipartisan discussions and hearings on AI-related issues in the Senate, indicating a potential for consensus on key regulatory measures. Goldman’s involvement in the U.S. National AI Advisory Committee positions her to influence the development of AI policies at a national level.
As a top leader at Salesforce focusing on the responsible use of technology, Goldman plays a key role in developing product policies to guide the ethical deployment of AI-powered tools like facial recognition. Salesforce’s Einstein product, launched for its Customer Relationship Management platform, exemplifies the company’s commitment to leveraging AI for enterprise purposes. The growing importance of responsible AI use is reflected in the various pieces of legislation being considered by the U.S. Congress.
Several AI-related bills, such as the REAL Political Advertisements Act, the National AI Commission Act, and the AI Labeling Act, are currently in the legislative pipeline. These bills address issues ranging from political advertising transparency to content labeling requirements for AI-generated materials. Despite the absence of a specific AI regulation at the federal level, the push for legislative action has intensified as advanced AI technologies continue to evolve.
In response to the growing concerns surrounding AI regulation, President Joe Biden signed an executive order on AI to establish a coordinated approach to its development and implementation. The executive order aims to promote responsible AI practices and address the ethical implications of AI technologies. It signals the government’s commitment to shaping the future of AI in a responsible and sustainable manner.
The prospect of new AI regulations in the U.S. holds promise, as policymakers, industry leaders, and advocacy groups work together to establish a framework for the ethical and responsible use of AI technologies. While challenges remain, the growing consensus on the need for AI regulation and the ongoing legislative efforts indicate a positive trajectory towards a more regulated and accountable AI ecosystem.