Reps. Brenda Lawrence, D-Mich., and Anthony Gonzalez, R-Ohio, have introduced new legislation that aims to update artificial intelligence (AI) data collection policies and protect Americans’ privacy.
The bill is companion legislation to the Senate GOOD AI bill introduced in October 2021 by Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, the committee’s ranking member.
The Government Ownership and Oversight of Data in Artificial Intelligence (GOOD AI) Act would secure data collected through AI technologies – such as facial recognition and media algorithms – by Federal agencies and contractors.
The bill would require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to establish and consult with an AI Hygiene Working Group to ensure that data collected via AI tech like facial recognition isn’t misused. The working group – made up of government experts – would be tasked with coming up with best practices for identifying and mitigating any discriminatory impact or bias, as well as how agencies can ensure that contracts for AI services require systems and data to be secure.
“As technology surrounding AI continues to evolve and expand it is critical that we take necessary steps to protect the privacy of Americans,” said Rep. Gonzalez in a press release.
“The rise of artificial intelligence promises many advances in how we collect and interpret data, but this means that Congress has a responsibility to protect and secure the information that is collected. In an ever-changing technological environment, it’s important that we update our policies to preserve the American people’s privacy and identify and eliminate the discriminatory biases sometimes found in AI technology,” said Rep. Lawrence
