NC, Utah attorneys general launch bipartisan AI task force
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson and Utah Attorney General Derek Brown on Thursday announced the creation of a bipartisan task force aimed at addressing the fast-changing landscape of artificial intelligence.
The task force, formed in partnership with major AI developers including OpenAI and Microsoft, is designed to identify emerging risks and develop safeguards that companies should follow to protect the public.
“AI is moving fast, and so are the risks,” Jackson said in a statement. “Congress hasn’t put basic protections in place, and we can’t wait. As attorneys general, our job is to keep people safe. AI is becoming part of everyday life for families and kids. Taking thoughtful steps now will help prevent harm as this technology becomes more powerful and more present in our daily lives.”
Brown said the effort is about protecting people from potential abuses of rapidly advancing tools.
“Freedom means being free from manipulation or exploitation by powerful technologies,” Brown said. “This task force is committed to defending our freedoms and our privacy while also building a safer digital world for our families and our children.”
Jason Kwon, chief strategy officer for OpenAI, said the company welcomes the collaboration.
“We’re grateful to be working with State Attorneys General across the country, and especially appreciative of Generals Jackson and Brown for bringing everyone together for this important conversation,” Kwon said. “AI can make a real difference in people’s everyday lives, and we know we have to get this right since it has real-world impact.”
Kia Floyd, general manager of state government affairs for Microsoft, said the company supports the bipartisan effort.
“Microsoft is proud to join the bipartisan AI Taskforce and commends Attorneys General Jeff Jackson and Derek Brown for their leadership,” Floyd said. “By partnering with state leaders and industry peers, we can promote innovation and consumer protection to ensure AI serves the public good.”
According to the announcement, the task force will focus on:
• Identifying emerging AI issues through work with law enforcement, experts and stakeholders.
• Developing safeguards AI developers should follow to reduce risks, particularly for children.
• Establishing an ongoing forum to track AI developments and coordinate responses to new challenges.
The effort is being facilitated in partnership with the Attorney General Alliance.
Both attorneys general also joined a bipartisan push to remove language from the federal budget reconciliation bill that would have placed a 10-year moratorium on enforcing laws related to artificial intelligence.
