Duval Times

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)

September 26, 2023

Washington Times

To prevent next-generation computer programs from wreaking havoc on American society, some members of Congress want to enact comprehensive regulation at “lightspeed”. However, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) is urging caution and thoughtful consideration before jumping into regulating artificial intelligence (AI).

"Let’s be clear: The federal government has a legitimate and necessary role in regulating emerging technologies, and AI is no exception… Let’s also be clear, however, that Congress… is in no position to comprehensively regulate AI," Senator Rubio emphasized.

Senator Rubio's concerns are rooted in the fact that AI technology is evolving rapidly, making it challenging for computer scientists to keep up, let alone politicians. He believes that enacting comprehensive regulation without fully understanding the implications could lead to unintended consequences.

One of the potential risks, as Senator Rubio points out, is that Congress may use the pretense of regulation to protect and empower special interests. This is a legitimate concern given Silicon Valley's vocal support for AI regulation.

Another possible outcome, according to Senator Rubio, is that Congress could become too heavy-handed in its regulation, stifling domestic innovation and transferring the technological edge to America's adversaries. He highlights that AI has the potential to not only energize the economy but also revolutionize national security, making it crucial for the United States to maintain a competitive edge.

Senator Rubio clarifies, "This is not an argument against regulation wholesale… But at this early stage, we would be foolish to think that we are anywhere close to having the last word on the issue, or that any such word would be to America’s benefit."

It is clear that the regulation of AI requires careful consideration and a thorough understanding of its implications. While regulation may be necessary, rushing into it without proper evaluation could have detrimental effects on American innovation and national security.

Read the rest here.