Harris warns of “really bad” relationship between tech and government at AI conference

The intersection of artificial intelligence and politics is evolving as influential figures begin engaging with the industry’s ethical challenges. Former Vice President Kamala Harris‘s recent appearance at the HumanX conference in Las Vegas represents a significant attempt to bridge the gap between government oversight and technological innovation. Her focus on trust and empathy highlights growing concerns about AI adoption amid public skepticism, with her emphasis on better communication between Silicon Valley and Washington suggesting a potential path forward for more responsible AI development.

The big picture: Harris positioned AI as a transformative technology with potential comparable to rural electrification, while warning that poor relationships between government, industry, and the public could squander its benefits.

• She described the current relationship between Washington and Silicon Valley as “really bad,” noting that decades of government support for innovation have eroded over the past ten years.
• Approximately 70% of Americans don’t trust AI, according to statistics cited in her talk, underscoring the significant credibility challenge facing the industry.

Government challenges: The former Vice President highlighted how bureaucracy and technical knowledge gaps limit the government’s ability to effectively participate in technological advancement.

• Despite collecting vast amounts of data, government agencies often fail to utilize this information effectively due to institutional barriers.
• Officials frequently struggle to understand emerging technologies, creating disconnects between regulatory approaches and technological realities.

Industry shortcomings: Harris criticized tech companies for viewing government primarily as an obstacle rather than a potential partner in responsible innovation.

• The tech industry has created a significant trust gap not only with government but also with everyday users of their products.
• Developers need to better articulate their vision in ways that resonate with people outside technical circles, with Harris directly stating: “Don’t bullshit me; I need to see myself in your vision of the future.”

Public concerns: Job displacement and economic disruption remain primary anxieties about AI’s advancement, requiring more thoughtful approaches than simple economic solutions.

• Harris specifically dismissed Universal Basic Income (UBI) as an inadequate response to AI-driven job displacement.
• She emphasized that stakeholders must be included in the development process rather than having solutions imposed upon them.

Looking ahead: Despite her criticisms, Harris concluded optimistically about AI’s potential in areas like biomedical research while stressing the need for improved communication and inclusivity.

• The talk suggests potential policy directions that emphasize communication, transparency, and empathy in AI development.
• The appearance of political figures at technical conferences may signal increasing government interest in shaping AI’s development trajectory.