The State of AI Regulation in the USA

AI Networks

The influence of powerful AI networks on policy-making in Washington is a growing concern. Nathaniel Whittemore highlights a Politico piece that explores how a billionaire-backed network of AI advisors has permeated Congress, federal agencies, and think tanks, prioritizing AI Apocalypse concerns over other issues like bias and inequity 1. This network's connections to top AI companies raise questions about potential conflicts of interest and regulatory capture.

Basically, what this article tries to do is track all of the ways in which a larger set of institutions surrounding open philanthropy and the EA space have placed staffers inside the offices of numerous politicians.

--- Nathaniel Whittemore

Whittemore questions whether these networks are boxing out more immediate concerns and how much regulatory capture will truly impact the AI landscape 1.

   

Regulation Debate

The debate on AI regulations is marked by differing viewpoints on addressing speculative future harms versus immediate issues. Nathaniel Whittemore argues that both categories of risks are significant and should not be seen as mutually exclusive 2. He notes that those concerned with AI extinction risks are naturally lobbying, as is common in Washington, and questions whether specific conflicts of interest are more pressing than general lobbying practices.

Just seems ultimately to me that if you truly believe that these are both categories of risks, it's not an either or conversation, it's a both.

--- Nathaniel Whittemore

Whittemore emphasizes the importance of addressing both types of risks and anticipates the upcoming executive order on AI regulation 2.