Governing AI
MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES - White House, September 24, 2024
The M-24-18 Memorandum from the Office of Management and Budget provides guidelines for the responsible acquisition of AI by federal agencies. It emphasizes the need for cross-functional collaboration, involving multiple departments in the acquisition process, and mandates the integration of AI-specific risk management, particularly regarding privacy, security, data ownership, and interoperability. Agencies are instructed to foster competition and avoid vendor lock-in, ensure transparency in the acquisition of rights-impacting AI, and adopt innovative procurement practices. The memorandum also highlights the importance of training acquisition teams to manage AI risks effectively and promotes accountability in the use of generative AI and biometric systems.
G7 Competition Authorities and Policymakers’ Summit - October 4, 2024
The Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division participated in the G7 Competition Authorities and Policymakers Summit to discuss ways to ensure competition in artificial intelligence (AI)-related technologies, products, and applications. At the conclusion of the summit, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan and other representatives of the G7 competition authorities and government policymakers issued a Communiqué highlighting potential competition concerns in AI-related markets and identifying guiding principles to ensure fair competition across AI markets. The Communiqué underscores the important role that competition authorities and policymakers have in addressing competitive threats. As the Communiqué outlines, concentrated market power in AI-related markets and possible collusion or improper information sharing using AI technologies require careful vigilance and vigorous and timely competition enforcement. The G7 competition authorities and policymakers reaffirmed that they are working to ensure there is open and fair competition in digital markets and AI and seeking to ensure that the benefits of AI are fully realized and widely available across society.
VA seeks information on AI governance framework - FedScoop, Caroline Nihill, October 8, 2024
“The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking expertise from the public regarding the implementation of a framework for artificial intelligence governance and mitigating the technology’s risks. The request for information, published last week, is part of an overarching goal to implement AI across the VA. The RFI notes that the agency seeks to minimize safety risks that involve privacy while leveraging the technology to enhance services and care to veterans. That ‘proactive approach,’ the VA says, is aimed at preventing potential issues and ‘establishing a robust, responsive governance structure that includes policies, processes and guidance to address and resolve problems that may arise.’”
Colorado legislators wrangle laws on facial recognition in schools, data protection - Biometric, By Joel R. McConvey, October 10, 2024
In Colorado, a moratorium on AI facial recognition cameras in schools is set to expire in July 2025, which could lead to increased use of this technology. The moratorium was enacted in 2022 to pause new contracts for AI facial recognition in public and charter schools while a body examined biometric technology usage. Schools using AI facial recognition before the moratorium, such as the Cheyenne Mountain School District, were allowed to continue. The debate balances the potential benefits for emergency response, especially in a state with a history of gun violence, against concerns about privacy and over-surveillance. At the same time, Colorado has passed HB24-1468, a law that establishes a task force to assess the impact of AI and biometric technologies, including facial recognition, with a focus on ethical and equitable considerations. Additionally, a new amendment to the Colorado Privacy Act (CPA), effective in July 2025, introduces stricter regulations on biometric data, drawing comparisons to Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). This new regulation could further shape the state's approach to AI and biometrics.
South Korea banned deepfakes. Is that a realistic solution for the US? - Gzero Media, By Scott Nover, October 8, 2024
On September 26, South Korea strengthened its law against deepfake pornography, making it illegal not only to create and distribute but also to view such content. Violators could face up to three years in jail or a $22,000 fine. Deepfakes, created by superimposing someone's face onto explicit material without consent, have affected both celebrities and private individuals. South Korea's aggressive approach contrasts with the U.S., where legal responses to deepfakes are inconsistent across states. While some laws exist, full prohibition would likely violate First Amendment protections. Experts acknowledge the need for regulation but note enforcement challenges and legal hurdles.
AI for Governance
Kenya opens Africa’s AI skilling centre with support from UNDP and Microsoft - Tech Point, By Abdullah Ajibade, October 12, 2024
Kenya, in partnership with UNDP and Microsoft, has launched the Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and AI Skills at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi. This center aims to upskill public sector employees across Africa, improving service delivery and driving digital transformation. Aligned with Kenya's National Digital Master Plan 2022-2032, it seeks to enhance digital literacy for 300,000 public servants. The center offers training on problem-solving, systems thinking, and strategic foresight, while a proposed Public Sector Innovation Fund will provide micro-grants for innovative digital solutions. The initiative also supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including education, economic growth, and reducing inequalities.
Microsoft Launches AI National Skills Initiative at GITEX 2024 to Upskill 100,000 Government Employees Across the UAE - Edge, By Sindhu V Kashyap, October 14, 2024
At GITEX Global 2024, Microsoft launched the AI National Skills Initiative to advance the UAE's AI ambitions by upskilling 100,000 government employees across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah over 12 months. The initiative, aligned with the UAE’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, aims to equip leaders, developers, and frontline workers with AI skills, enhancing public services and digital transformation. Microsoft’s AI Skills Navigator platform, offering over 200 free resources, supports this effort globally. Additionally, Microsoft showcased 'Sawa,' a new Generative AI app designed to improve community engagement and service delivery.
The Future of AI and India - Forbes, By Bryan Penprase, October 13, 2024
As AI transforms education and other sectors in the Global South, this article argues that India is emerging as a key player. The Indian government is working with the private sector to develop AI systems to advance national priorities such as healthcare, agriculture, and education. Under the nation’s national AI training strategy, India's government is supporting AI skills and data skills training for students from primary school through postgraduate education. Startups and universities are building AI models tailored to India's diverse languages.
AI and IR
Global collective action platform for Responsible AI for Sustainable Development initiated by UN Development Programme and Germany’s Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development - UNDP Press, October 8, 2024
“At the inaugural Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) announced a global platform to harness the power of responsible artificial intelligence (AI) for sustainable development. This effort adopts joint principles on responsible AI and sees the launch of the AI SDG Compendium (SDG: Sustainable Development Goals), a global registry of AI initiatives for sustainable development. The platform establishes the foundation for a Hamburg Declaration on Responsible AI for the SDGs, a new multi-stakeholder document to be signed in 2025. The Hamburg Declaration aims to create a shared global understanding of how responsible AI can drive better development outcomes”
AI and Problem Solving
U.S. military deploys Maven Smart System for Hurricane Helene disaster response - DefenseScoop, Mark Pomerlau, October 9, 2024
“The U.S. military is using one of its main data analytics and common operational picture tools as part of its response efforts to aid in Hurricane Helene relief. Several active-duty components, defense agencies and the National Guard are aiding in the relief efforts as requested by the states affected under what’s known as ‘defense support to civil authorities,’ which allow the military to be employed domestically when asked. The Maven Smart System — an AI-enabled platform for geospatial visualization of data that was designed for use by combatant commands and other units to facilitate battlespace awareness, global integration, contested logistics, joint fires and targeting workflows — is being deployed to aid in the relief efforts.”
New York governor unveils AI research consortium to advance public good - AIScoop, Colin Wood, October 11, 2024
“New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday announced the Empire AI consortium, a collection of seven research institutions that will share the goal of advancing artificial intelligence research projects for the public good. The consortium will be housed at the University of Buffalo, funded by more than $400 million in state appropriations and university and private donations. According to the governor’s office, some of the topics the consortium will address include climate change, drug discovery, education, food insecurity, cybersecurity threats and health care diagnostics.”
OpenAI says it has disrupted 20-plus foreign influence networks in past year - Cyberscoop, By Derek B. Johnson, October 9, 2024
OpenAI revealed that it has disrupted over 20 foreign operations in the past year involving attempts to use its AI tools, like ChatGPT, to influence global political sentiments and interfere in elections, including in the U.S. These actors, originating from countries like China, Russia, and Iran, used AI to generate fake social media content, write malware, and conduct spearphishing attacks.
Rise of the robots: AI to shape UK defense review - Politico, Stefan Boscia, October 9, 2024
The U.K. government is utilizing AI from U.S. tech firm Palantir to analyze submissions for its Strategic Defense Review, which analyzes the nation’s defense capabilities and builds frameworks for more efficient defense policy. Using AI allows officials to quickly identify key themes and insights, supporting informed decision-making. However, the benefits behind using AI is not nation-wide, as the government’s view of AI is different from those of experts. Experts highlight the need for oversight to address potential biases, and to weigh equally all submissions, as this review is crucial for the nation’s defense industry.
AI and Public Engagement
Google.org announces $15 million in AI training grants for the government workforce - Google, Karen Dahut, October 16, 2024
Google.org announced $15 million in AI training grants aimed at upskilling the U.S. government workforce. The funds will be distributed to the Partnership for Public Service ($10 million) and InnovateUS ($5 million), two organizations focused on AI training for public sector employees. The Partnership for Public Service will use its grant to establish the Center for Federal AI, launching in Spring 2025. This center will provide AI training for federal government employees, including leadership and internship programs, to promote responsible AI use across government agencies. InnovateUS will expand its existing AI training initiatives for state and local governments, aiming to reach 100,000 public sector workers across more than 30 states with courses and workshops. This effort addresses the skills gap and ensures that government employees are equipped to leverage AI for improving public services. The grants are part of Google.org's larger $75 million AI Opportunity Fund, which seeks to enhance AI skills and promote the responsible use of AI in solving societal challenges like healthcare access, infrastructure management, and public safety.
AI and Elections
Using AI to teach about Elections, Voting, and Democratic Participation: 10 ideas for incorporating AI tools into lesson planning and classroom activities this election cycle - Pedagog, By Nina Bamberg, October 1, 2024
This article outlines how educators can integrate AI tools into lessons about democracy and elections to enhance student engagement and learning. By using chatbots like ChatGPT and other AI applications, teachers can brainstorm ideas, draft lesson plans, design interactive activities, and differentiate materials to cater to diverse learning styles. AI can also be used to analyze political speeches and election data, allowing students to develop media literacy and critical thinking skills. Additionally, AI tools can simulate conversations with historical figures and create scenarios to help students become informed voters, preparing them for meaningful civic participation. Examples include using chatbots to generate election-related simulations, analyze rhetorical strategies in campaign speeches, or role-play as political candidates. The goal is to equip students with AI literacy and a deeper understanding of the electoral process.
AI and Lawmaking
Publication about "Key considerations of Artificial Intelligence in parliaments" - Bussola Tech
This report, developed by Bússola Tech and several parliamentary organizations, explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enhance parliamentary functions, including legislative drafting, archiving, procedural guidance, and constituent relations. It emphasizes the need for ethical AI implementation, highlighting the importance of user experience, data governance, human oversight, and transparency to build trust in AI systems. The report also stresses the necessity of political support, staff training, and inter-parliamentary cooperation to maximize AI's benefits in improving services, accountability, and inclusiveness, thereby strengthening democratic governance.
