White House Eyes Friday Rollout for AI Framework
The White House is set to present its plans for regulating AI to Congress on Friday, according to sources familiar with the matter. However, significant policy disagreements remain unresolved on Capitol Hill.
Importance of the Framework
Republicans are looking to the White House for direction on AI regulation. Yet, the proposed framework is likely to encounter the same challenges that have stalled legislative action for years. Key issues include:
- Protecting children online
- Preempting state laws that may conflict with federal standards
As states move forward with their own AI regulations, the pressure for Congress to act is mounting, with AI companies increasingly comfortable with a patchwork of state laws.
Details of the Upcoming Framework
The anticipated announcement will likely cover four main areas, referred to as the “four C’s”, as outlined by White House AI czar David Sacks: child safety, community interests, creator rights, and censorship. The House Energy and Commerce and Senate Commerce Committees will have primary jurisdiction over any AI proposal.
Matt VanHyfte, a committee spokesperson, indicated that they are eager to see how the White House’s proposals align with the priorities outlined by Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), who has emphasized dominance, deployment, and safeguards in AI leadership.
Ongoing Challenges
The White House aims to create a national AI framework designed to preempt state laws while also addressing bipartisan interests in children’s online safety. However, notable differences exist between the House and Senate regarding the specifics of these proposals.
For example, the latest package of children’s safety bills advanced by the House Energy and Commerce Committee includes a version of the Kids Online Safety Act that lacks a “duty of care” provision required by senators from both parties. This provision would necessitate platforms to take reasonable steps to mitigate harm resulting from their design features.
Recent Developments
On Wednesday, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released a discussion draft of the TRUMP AI Act, consolidating various Senate proposals, including a version of the children’s online safety bill, and codifying many aspects of former President Trump’s executive orders on AI.
Interestingly, some major AI companies are expressing comfort with a state-by-state regulatory approach, as long as these regulations begin to align. OpenAI’s Chris Lehane noted that in the absence of a national framework, states should coordinate around emerging models in California and New York.
Conclusion
As the midterms approach, the pressure is on politicians to demonstrate they are taking meaningful steps toward regulating AI. However, the White House’s primary focus has been on halting state-level efforts, while Congress remains trapped in a quagmire of policy disputes.
