Guam AI Task Force Holds First Meeting: Regulation Recommendations Due Within 2 Years
How will Guam regulate rapidly advancing artificial intelligence technology that’s reshaping the world? The clock is ticking on that answer with the first meeting of the newly formed Guam Artificial Intelligence Regulatory Task Force held on Tuesday morning.
Multiple public and private sector officials who are part of the task force convened at the Guam Congress building. Their meeting marks the official start of the clock for delivery of a comprehensive framework to regulate various aspects of AI, including AI crimes, artificially generated deepfakes of real people, and cybersecurity concerns.
Created under Public Law 38-77, the task force is mandated to produce final recommendations within 18 to 20 months from the date of the meeting. Members have the option to request an extension of up to 90 days, but no longer unless the law is amended.
Technology Oversight and Future Impacts
Technology oversight chair Sen. Telo Taitague, who authored the law, emphasized the importance of the task ahead. “Artificial intelligence is a bleeding edge technology,” Taitague stated. “It will have profound and far-reaching social, economic, environmental, and political impacts.” She highlighted that the work of the task force will shape how AI influences the island for generations.
Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio expressed gratitude towards Taitague in a pre-recorded statement played during the meeting. “Artificial intelligence is no longer something happening somewhere else,” Tenorio remarked. “It’s already here.”
Tenorio pointed to estimates from the World Economic Forum, predicting that global market changes could create 170 million jobs while displacing 92 million by 2030. He noted that for island communities, AI tools have the potential to bridge long-standing gaps. Additionally, he mentioned the possibility of using AI to preserve the CHamoru language through educational aids, similar to initiatives for indigenous languages in New Zealand and Alaska.
Addressing Concerns and Collaborations
However, Tenorio also acknowledged public fears surrounding AI, particularly in relation to decision-making in health care, education, lending, and public safety. He stressed the need for public confidence in the accountability and fairness of AI systems.
Also present virtually for the inaugural meeting was Heather Morton, director of finance, service, technology, and communication at the National Conference of State Legislatures. Morton indicated that their bipartisan institution could help facilitate information on how other jurisdictions are addressing AI advancements, even though they do not make policy recommendations. “It will be probably very challenging,” she noted, “but I know that your task force will be successful.”
Subcommittees and Future Meetings
During the meeting, task force members introduced themselves but took no official action beyond adopting a new logo. The following subcommittees and chairs were established:
- Cyber Security and Data Privacy Protection – chaired by Office of Technology’s Beatrice Santos
- U.S. and International AI Policies, Guidelines, and Infrastructure – Guam Homeland Security Advisor Esther Aguigui
- AI Integration in the Workplace – Guam Economic Development Authority Administrator Christina Garcia
- AI Education and Social Media – University of Guam President Anita Borja Enriquez
- Human Resources, Predictive Policy and Profiling Based on Algorithms – Department of Labor Director David Dell’Isola
- AI Ethics, Deepfakes, Data and Algorithmic Exploitations – Docomo Pacific Senior Vice President Gene Crisostomo
- Penalties and Fines for AI Crimes and Enforcement – Judiciary of Guam Research Attorney Mia Bonardi
According to the law, the task force must meet every two months moving forward. A first progress report is due four months from the meeting, with subsequent reports due in eight and sixteen months. Additionally, a preliminary regulatory framework is expected within twelve months.
