Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith testafied before a Senate Judiciary subcommittee in a hearing titled 'Oversight of A.I.: Legislating on Artificial Intelligence.' In his written statement, Brad Smith outlines Microsoft's proposed principles for shaping legislation to promote the safe, secure, and reliable development of AI.
Read Brad Smith's full testimony.Brad Smith welcomed the framework released by Senators Blumenthal and Hawley, which he believes is a strong and positive step towards effectively regulating AI. He holds the view that regulatory considerations should be built upon this framework, a point he further elucidated in his recommendations.
The Blumenthal and Hawley framework builds on other federal efforts, like the White House AI commitments unveiled in July and the bipartisan AI Insight Forums, providing the constructive interplay needed between the executive and legislative branches. The centrepiece of the Blumenthal-Hawley framework is the creation of a federal oversight body that would license new AI models that companies seek to put on the market for either general consumption or for more specific purposes such as facial-recognition software.
Read about the key elements of the Blumenthal-Hawley framework'As the legislative process moves forward, I hope Congress will include three goals in the list of priorities that deserve the most attention.' These main points outline the key themes and recommendations presented in the text.
Congress should prioritise AI safety and security.
Congress should prioritise AI safety and security with the Blumenthal-Hawley framework. The Blumenthal-Hawley framework addresses these needs in a strong manner, including by proposing a licensing regime under an independent oversight body with a risk-based approach for AI models and uses. Microsoft supports this approach.
Congress should ensure that AI is used in a manner that complies with longstanding legal protections for consumers and citizens.
This should include the protection of privacy, civil rights, and the needs of children, as well as safeguards against dangerous deepfakes and election interference. The Blumenthal-Hawley framework addresses these issues while considering the roles of AI developers and deployers, aiming for a practical balance between technology advancement and citizen protection.
Congress should ensure that AI is put to good use to build a government that can better serve our citizens.
Further, his testimony explored the fundamental principles that Microsoft believes should shape AI legislation. In his view, these principles are vital for creating a regulatory framework that ensures AI's responsible and effective use.