Governments' race to regulate AI tools

STORY: Rapid advances in artificial intelligence - such as OpenAI's ChatGPT - are complicating governments' efforts to agree on laws governing the use of the technology.

Let's take a look at some of the recent steps national and international governing bodies are taking to regulate AI tools.

In the United States, the federal government is in the process of seeking input on regulations.

The Federal Trade Commission's chief says the agency is committed to using existing laws to keep in check the dangers of AI.

These include enhancing the power of dominant firms and 'turbocharging' fraud.

In April, Senator Michael Bennet introduced a bill that would create a task force to look at U.S. policies on AI and identify how best to reduce threats to privacy, civil liberties and due process.

The Biden administration said it was seeking public comments on potential accountability measures for AI systems.

(Joe Biden) “And so tech companies have a responsibility to make sure their products are safe before making them public."

Britain says it plans to split responsibility for governing AI between its regulators for human rights, health and safety, and competition, rather than creating a new body.

Speaking at a business conference in April, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said governments need "sovereign capability" over AI to manage risks to national security.

"AI has the potential to transform every aspect of our lives. We all know that."

In April, China's cyberspace regulator unveiled draft measures to manage generative AI services.

The government wants firms to submit security assessments to authorities before they launch offerings to the public.

At the same time, Beijing will support leading enterprises in building AI models that can challenge ChatGPT, its economy and information technology bureau said.

The European Union is considering new rules that would bolster regulations on the development and use of AI.

If passed, the highly anticipated AI Act would become the world's first comprehensive legislation governing the technology.

Copyright protection is central to the bloc's effort to keep AI in check.

The European Parliament will vote on the draft of AI Act in June.