California Adopts A Resolution That Encourages The Responsible Use Of AI

California recently adopted an AI Resolution that’s in alignment with the Biden Administration’s guidelines for responsible AI. Spearheaded by Sen. Dodd, this resolution reinforces California’s influential role in shaping regulatory frameworks:

Senate Concurrent Resolution 17 highlights the significant challenges posed by the use of technology, data, and automated systems, including incidents of unsafe, ineffective, or biased systems and unchecked data collection that threatens privacy and opportunities. At the same time, the resolution recognizes the potential benefits of AI, including increased efficiency in agriculture and data analysis that could revolutionize industries.

The resolution affirms the state’s commitment to President Biden’s vision for safe AI and the principles outlined in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s “Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights.” The five principles — Safe and Effective Systems; Algorithmic Discrimination Protections; Data Privacy; Notice and Explanation; and Human Alternatives, Consideration and Fallback — will guide the design, use, and deployment of automated systems in California.

SCR 17 was approved Monday in the Assembly with a unanimous voice vote after being previously approved by the full Senate. It does not require the governor’s signature.

Ani Chaudhuri, CEO, Dasera had this comment:

Today, with the California Legislature adopting the nation’s first AI-drafted resolution, we’re witnessing a pivotal moment in the intersection of technology, governance, and society. As someone deeply entrenched in data security and governance, this resolution isn’t just a piece of legislative text; it’s a testament to how our society is evolving and the responsibilities we must shoulder as we traverse this path.

  1. Safe and Effective Systems: AI’s promise lies in its ability to improve our world, but this can only be realized if the systems themselves are safe and effective. Any AI system must be meticulously tested in controlled and real-world scenarios. But it’s more than just about ensuring systems don’t malfunction—it’s about ensuring they function in a way that aligns with our societal values and norms.
  2. Algorithmic Discrimination Protections: Biases in AI systems have made headlines repeatedly, tarnishing this transformative tech’s image. Eliminating biases isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’—it’s a fundamental necessity. Every stage of AI development, from data collection to model training, should be scrutinized to ensure no group is unduly disadvantaged.
  3. Data Privacy: In an era where personal data is often compared to oil in its value, safeguarding this data is paramount. While AI systems thrive on data, we must implement stringent measures to ensure data privacy isn’t compromised. From where data is stored to how it’s accessed to who has rights to it—every aspect needs to be governed with the utmost responsibility.
  4. Notice and Explanation: The days of black-box algorithms must end. Stakeholders, from the public to policymakers, should clearly understand how AI decisions are made. It’s not about revealing trade secrets but ensuring transparency so these systems can be trusted.
  5. Human Alternatives, Consideration, and Fallback: As magnificent as AI is, it isn’t infallible. There should always be a human touchpoint—a fallback mechanism—that can intervene when things go awry. Automated systems should be designed with the understanding that humans are the ultimate safeguard.

Sen. Dodd’s resolution serves as a blueprint for California, the entire nation, and potentially the world. The principles highlighted are about safe AI deployment and ensuring AI uplifts society without trampling on individual rights.

To my colleagues in the tech industry: let’s take this as a call to action. We have the responsibility not only to innovate but to ensure that our innovations are imbued with integrity, respect, and a profound sense of duty to the betterment of society.

AI has the potential to transform society. But it needs guardrails around it. Otherwise the potential exists for it to run amok and harm society instead of help it. Which is why I feel that this l feel that this resolution is a great move.

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