Parents Push for Stronger AI Safety Bill in New York
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What is the Viqus Verdict?
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AI Analysis:
While the initial excitement around AI safety bills has cooled slightly, this case highlights a very real, fundamental conflict: prioritizing robust safety measures versus the potential for rapid technological advancement and disruption. The battle in New York is a microcosm of that larger struggle.
Article Summary
A growing movement of parents is lobbying New York Governor Kathy Hochul to enact the Responsible AI Safety and Education (RAISE) Act, a bill designed to establish safety standards for developers of large AI models like Meta, OpenAI, and Google. The bill, already passed by the New York State legislature, would require developers to create safety plans and report large-scale incidents. However, Governor Hochul is proposing significant revisions, largely influenced by tech industry opposition. This push comes amid increasing concerns about the potential harms of AI chatbots and social media to children, with signatories to the letter citing 'lost children' and damage to mental health. Notably, large tech companies, represented by the AI Alliance, have voiced ‘deep concern’ about the RAISE Act, while the pro-AI super PAC Leading the Future is actively targeting Assemblymember Alex Bores, co-sponsor of the bill. The situation highlights a broader struggle between regulators and tech giants attempting to shape the future of AI development. The proposed changes reflect a concerning trend of Big Tech attempting to water down necessary protections.Key Points
- The RAISE Act, already passed by the New York legislature, aims to regulate large AI developers.
- Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing significant changes to the bill, influenced by tech industry opposition.
- Parents are urging for stronger protections against the potential harms of AI to children and young people.