NTIA's AI Stance Shows a Worrying Tilt Toward Favoring Regulation, Says Center for Data Innovation

WASHINGTON—In response to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) releasing a report on promoting AI accountability, the Center for Data Innovation issued the following statement from Senior Policy Manager Hodan Omaar:

NTIA’s report on AI accountability is a mixed bag. It tells U.S. policymakers to do three things—provide guidance, support, and regulations on AI. The first two are useful for improving accountability. Organizations need guidance on things like what information to disclose about their AI systems and how, and regulators need support in the form of tools and data to better evaluate systems. But the report’s focus on regulatory frameworks for AI will not help the United States become a leading global adopter of AI. The United States should pursue policies that encourage U.S. businesses to hire more AI developers, integrators, and engineers, not divert those resources to hiring more auditors and lawyers. Policymakers should instead rely on voluntary frameworks because they are more adaptable, dynamic, and effective at addressing risks in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.