US Senator Michael Bennet is calling on tech companies to label content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) and to closely monitor any misleading information produced by AI systems. In a letter dated June 29. Bennet addressed executives from major tech companies involved in AI, including OpenAI (creator of ChatGPT), Microsoft, Meta, Twitter, and Alphabet. The senator stressed the importance of users being aware when AI is used to generate content, particularly due to the potential economic and trust-related consequences of false or politically oriented images .
Bennet expressed concern that the current labeling practices for AI-generated content are largely dependent on voluntary compliance, urging companies to establish clearer and more comprehensive standards. He argued that continuing to disseminate AI-generated content without trans parent identifiers poses significant risks to public discourse and the integrity of electoral processes. In the letter, Bennet set a deadline of July 31 for the executives to respond to his concerns, addressing topics such as identification standards for AI-generated content, enforcement measures, and consequences for violations.
Twitter is reported to be the only company that has responded so far, allegedly with a poop emoji. Similar concerns about unflagged AI content leading to misinformation have been expressed by European lawmakers. Vera Jourova, Vice-President for Values and Transparency at the E European Commission , called for companies using generative AI tools with the potential to produce disinformation to label their content in order to curb its spread.
While comprehensive AI legislation is yet to be enacted in the United States, two bipartisan bills were introduced on June 8 to address transparency and innovation in the field of AI. One bill, sponsored by Democratic Senators Gary Peters and Republican Senators Mike Braun and James Lankford , would require government transparency regarding its use of AI. The other bill, proposed by Bennet, along with Democratic Senators Mark Warner and Republican Senator Todd Young, aims to establish an official global competitive analysis office.
In addition to his recent concerns about AI-generated content, Bennet previously commented in March 2023 on the instability of the crypto industry following the collapse of Signature Bank.
