Over the past three years, Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as a key figure in shaping the regulation of artificial intelligence (A.I.) within the White House. Her proactive approach towards A.I. technology has set the tone for discussions and initiatives in this rapidly evolving field.
Key Initiatives and Advocacy
- As an A.I. czar, Harris convened top executives from leading tech companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Anthropic to establish voluntary safety standards for A.I.
- She spearheaded a White House executive order outlining guidelines for how the federal government should utilize and develop A.I.
- Harris has been a vocal advocate for regulatory measures to safeguard individuals from potential job displacement and other negative impacts of A.I., urging Congress to take action in this regard.
Balancing Innovation and Public Protection
In a speech in November, Harris emphasized the importance of striking a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring public safety. She called for global regulations and increased accountability from tech companies, emphasizing that both objectives are achievable and necessary.
Future Implications
If elected as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, Harris’s stance on A.I. regulation is likely to have a significant influence on the industry. A victory for Harris could mean a continuation of the current trend of limited U.S. regulation for A.I. companies, providing them with opportunities to shape policy decisions at the White House and in Congress.
Previous Stances on Big Tech
While advocating for A.I. regulation, Harris has also demonstrated a commitment to addressing issues related to Big Tech. Her past roles as district attorney of San Francisco and attorney general of California reflect her efforts to combat cyberbullying, enhance online privacy for children, and prevent the dissemination of non-consensual intimate images on tech platforms.
“She brings a very kind of lawyerly, kind of thoughtful, mind-set about thinking about all sides of the issue,” noted Alondra Nelson, a former director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
