GOP lawmakers sound alarm over AI used to sexually exploit children

GOP lawmakers have sounded the alarm over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to exploit children on the internet. Congressmen Doug Collins (R-Ga.) and Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) recently introduced a bill called the Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2019, which would require federal agencies to assess the risks posed by automated systems and algorithms used for predictive analytics and artificial intelligence. The bill also calls for the establishment of a National Algorithmic Safety Commission that would have the power to develop safety standards for agencies using or operating such systems. By doing so, the bill aims to ensure that AI used for marketing, predicting customer behaviors, or identity verification are not used to exploit children. Collins said, “The internet is an increasingly important part of our lives, and it needs to be a safe and secure space for everyone, particularly our kids. The Algorithmic Accountability Act will help us ensure that algorithms and Artificial Intelligence are held to the same standards as those used in the physical world.”