Indiana senator eyes voluntary standards for AI technologies

U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., is leading a Senate effort to put up some guardrails for steering the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and similar emerging technologies in safe and positive directions.

The two-term Hoosier lawmaker is a sponsor of the “Future of AI Innovation Act,” which he believes will help keep America at the forefront of the global race to develop and apply advances in AI technology.

“One of my top priorities for federal AI policy is to ensure these technologies are developed in a manner that reflects our democratic values and supports innovation continuing to flourish in the United States, and this bill represents an important step forward in that effort,” Young said.

“This bipartisan bill will create important partnerships between government, the private sector and academia to establish voluntary standards and best practices that will ensure a fertile environment for AI innovation while accounting for potential risks.”

The new legislation seeks to build on Young’s previously enacted “Future of AI Act” by implementing some of the recommendations made by the National AI Advisory Committee, a group of non-governmental experts designated to make AI policy recommendations to the president and Congress.

Specifically, the proposal establishes an AI Safety Institute within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop voluntary performance benchmarks, evaluations and clear transparency documentation standards for AI systems in both the private sector and at federal agencies.

It also authorizes a public-private partnership for testing new materials created for advanced manufacturing and other scientific discoveries that rely on AI, such as quantum hybrid computing and robotics, and incentivizes AI solutions to major governmental challenges, including maritime vessel propulsion, drug interdiction and border security.

In addition, the measure directs federal agencies to make many of their datasets available for use by AI systems and requires collaboration with U.S. allies to spur international AI research and development, as well as the adoption of global AI standards.

“Our bill ensures the United States will lead on AI for decades to come,” said U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., a sponsor of the proposal and regular Young partner on AI-related legislation.

“The NIST AI Safety Institute, testbeds at our national labs and the grand challenge prizes will bring together private sector and government experts to develop standards, create new assessment tools and overcome existing barriers. It will lay a strong foundation for America’s evolving AI tech economy for years to come.”

The legislation is awaiting action by the Senate Commerce Committee on which both Young and Cantwell serve.

It must be approved by the panel and the full Senate, as well as the House, to advance to Democratic President Joe Biden to be signed into law.