WASHINGTON — One way to get Congress to support regulation of artificial intelligence is to use it to write a resolution calling for just that.
At least, that’s what Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., hopes. On Thursday he will introduce a non-binding measure that would direct the House of Representatives to look into artificial intelligence, a bill that was drafted entirely by the online AI chatbot ChatGPT.
With a simple prompt, Lieu was able to generate a standard congressional resolution. He would say, “You are Congressman Ted Lieu. Write a comprehensive congressional resolution that broadly expresses your support for Congress to focus on AI.”
The resolution does not specify that it was written using artificial intelligence.
Recognizing the potential positive impacts of artificial intelligence, Lieu’s resolution specifically outlines the «responsibility of Congress to ensure that the development and deployment of AI is done in a manner that is safe, ethical, and respects the rights and privacy of all the Americans».
Lieu is also pushing for Congress to establish a new nonpartisan commission to provide recommendations on how to regulate AI.
“Rapid advances in AI technology have made it clear that now is the time to act to ensure that AI is used in a way that is safe, ethical, and beneficial to society,” ChatGPT wrote in a statement. Opinion Lieu published in the New York Times earlier this week. «Otherwise, it could lead to a future where the risks of AI far outweigh its benefits.»
The rise of artificial intelligence and tools like ChatGPT are already raising concerns about cheating in the classroom, but Lieu, who is one of the few members of Congress with a background in technology, wrote in his Times op-ed that part of the harm associated with AI could even be «deadly».
“As one of only three members of Congress with a computer science degree, I am captivated by AI and excited about the incredible ways it will continue to advance society. And as a member of Congress, I am scared of AI, specifically AI that is not controlled or regulated,” he wrote.
Lieu is not the first member of Congress to bring artificial intelligence to the House chamber. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, a 34-year-old Democrat from Massachusetts, delivered a speech Wednesday on the House floor. written by Chat GPT. Auchincloss said he wants to highlight the issue for Congress «so that we have a discussion now about strong AI policy, and not be 10 years behind schedule like I think a lot of social media policy was.»
Chairman Kevin McCarthy told reporters Tuesday that all members of the House Intelligence Committee will take AI and Quantum courses, the same training military generals receive, McCarthy said. “We want to be able to talk about making sure our country and national security are protected.”
Asked if Congress needs to learn how to at least understand technology, Senate Republican John Thune, R-Sd., said it’s something that could have serious implications.
“I have my own challenges with basic intelligence,” Thune joked. «But certainly, I think we need to understand it.»