News/Governance
3 key data management strategies for successful gen AI projects
The dawn of generative AI in enterprises: As companies increasingly adopt generative AI technologies, IT leaders must navigate complex data management challenges to ensure successful implementation and scaling of these projects. Generative AI's potential to transform business operations has led to widespread adoption across various industries. The success of these AI initiatives heavily depends on the quality and management of data used to train and operate the models. IT leaders are faced with the task of adapting existing data management practices to meet the unique demands of generative AI technologies. Data collection, filtering, and categorization: The foundation of AI success:...
read Oct 1, 2024EU taps AI experts to create compliance framework for AI policy
EU takes decisive step in AI regulation: The European Commission has appointed a group of AI specialists to outline compliance guidelines for businesses in anticipation of upcoming AI regulations, marking a significant move in the global governance of artificial intelligence. Key players and structure: The European Commission has assembled a diverse group of AI experts to develop a comprehensive framework for AI governance and regulation. The group includes prominent figures in the field of AI, such as Yoshua Bengio, Nitarshan Rajkumar, and Marietje Schaake, bringing together a wealth of expertise and perspectives. Four specialized working groups have been established, each...
read Sep 30, 2024A new AI safety initiative launches as Newsom vetoes California bill
Governor Newsom vetoes major AI regulation bill: California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed SB1047, a comprehensive artificial intelligence regulation bill authored by State Senator Scott Wiener, citing concerns about its broad scope and potential impact on AI innovation in the state. The bill aimed to establish safety and testing requirements for large-scale AI programs to prevent catastrophic risks. Newsom argued that the bill's stringent standards applied even to basic functions of large systems, potentially hindering beneficial AI development. The governor expressed concern that the bill's focus on large-scale models could create a false sense of security, overlooking potential dangers from...
read Sep 30, 2024Why Newsom vetoed AI safety bill SB 1047 and what comes next
California's AI regulation setback: Governor Gavin Newsom's veto of SB 1047, a pioneering artificial intelligence safety bill, marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate surrounding AI regulation and safety measures. The bill, introduced by Senator Scott Wiener, aimed to establish safety protocols for advanced AI models and hold developers accountable for potential harm or threats to public safety. Key provisions included requiring AI developers to submit safety plans to the state attorney general and implement mechanisms to shut down AI models in case of emergencies. The legislation garnered support from notable figures in the tech industry, including Elon Musk,...
read Sep 30, 2024AI safety bill vetoed by Newsom is a victory for tech giants
California Governor Vetoes Controversial AI Bill: Gavin Newsom has vetoed SB 1047, a high-profile artificial intelligence bill that faced significant opposition from Silicon Valley and tech industry leaders. The bill's key provisions: SB 1047 aimed to establish a new government agency to enforce compliance on developers of "covered models" - AI systems using a significant amount of computing power for training or fine-tuning. The bill would have imposed criminal penalties, including perjury charges, for non-compliance. It targeted AI models using 10^26 or 10^25 floating point operations (FLOPs) for training or fine-tuning, respectively. Opposition from tech industry: The bill faced widespread...
read Sep 28, 2024Inside China’s plan to make AI watermarks happen
China's ambitious AI watermarking initiative: China's Cyberspace Administration has drafted a new regulation aimed at clearly distinguishing between real and AI-generated content, marking a significant step in the global effort to manage the proliferation of artificial intelligence in media. The regulation, drafted on September 14, outlines a comprehensive approach to labeling AI-generated content, including explicit watermarks on images, notification labels on videos and virtual reality content, and morse code sounds for audio. Implicit labeling methods are also proposed, such as including "AIGC" (AI-Generated Content) mentions and encrypted information about content producers in metadata. The initiative goes beyond similar regulations, like...
read Sep 27, 2024China to require mandatory labeling of AI-generated content
China's ambitious AI content labeling initiative: The Chinese government has drafted a new regulation aimed at implementing mandatory labeling and tracking of AI-generated content, signaling a significant shift in the country's approach to artificial intelligence governance. The proposed regulation, drafted in March 2024, would require AI providers in China to add explicit labels and encrypted metadata to all AI-generated content. Social media companies operating in China would be obligated to scan for these watermarks and display appropriate labels on AI content shared on their platforms. The new rules would also mandate that social media platforms provide additional information to help...
read Sep 27, 2024California governor faces deadline on crucial AI safety bill
California's AI safety bill nears decision point: Governor Gavin Newsom faces a critical deadline to sign or veto SB 1047, a controversial piece of legislation aimed at regulating artificial intelligence in the state. The ticking clock: With the September 30th deadline looming, Newsom must weigh the arguments from both supporters and critics of the bill, which has sparked intense debate within the tech industry and beyond. The bill, known as SB 1047, has been the subject of intense scrutiny and discussion since its introduction. Governor Newsom's decision will have far-reaching implications for the future of AI development and regulation in...
read Sep 27, 2024100+ companies have pledged compliance with the EU AI Act
Major tech players commit to EU AI regulations ahead of schedule: Over 100 companies, including industry giants like Google, Microsoft, Adobe, and Samsung, have pledged early compliance with the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act, signaling a proactive approach to AI governance. The AI Act officially became law on August 1st, 2023, marking a significant milestone in regulating artificial intelligence technologies within the European Union. While some provisions of the Act, particularly those concerning "high risk" AI systems, are not set to be enforced until August 2027, many companies are voluntarily accelerating their compliance efforts. Notable signatories to the early compliance...
read Sep 25, 2024How AI is altering the risk landscape for CEOs
Shifting risk paradigms: Artificial intelligence is fundamentally altering the risk landscape for CEOs, introducing new ethical and operational challenges that demand immediate attention and strategic reassessment. The rapid advancement and widespread adoption of AI technologies are forcing business leaders to confront novel risks and ethical considerations that were not part of traditional risk management frameworks. CEOs must now navigate complex issues surrounding AI governance, data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential societal impacts of their AI implementations. The evolving nature of AI risks requires executives to develop new competencies and adapt their decision-making processes to effectively manage these emerging challenges....
read Sep 24, 2024Stanford HAI’s ‘The Digitalist Papers’ are A Vision for AI and Democracy
AI's impact on democracy and governance: Stanford's Digital Economy Lab has assembled a multidisciplinary group of experts to address the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in relation to democratic institutions and governance. The project, called "The Digitalist Papers," draws inspiration from The Federalist Papers and aims to provide insights on how AI is reshaping the world and what it means for democratic institutions. The volume consists of 12 essays written by 19 contributors, focusing on themes such as AI and governance, civic engagement, regulation, and democratic values. The initiative comes at a time when AI development is accelerating...
read Sep 24, 2024How to Balance Innovation Incentives and Regulation in AI
The AI regulation dilemma: Balancing market innovation and regulatory oversight in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence presents significant challenges for policymakers and industry leaders. A recent report from Brookings investigates how to strike this balance effectively. The report highlights the complexity of regulating new and fast-changing technologies like AI, both from theoretical and empirical perspectives. Market forces and regulation jointly shape the direction of technological development, rather than regulation alone driving innovation. There is a general tendency for innovation to be under-incentivized, and overly stringent AI regulations could potentially worsen underinvestment and stifle experimentation in the field. Market...
read Sep 23, 2024Stanford HAI’s New Policy Fellow to Study AI’s Implications for Safety and Privacy
AI governance and civil liberties: Riana Pfefferkorn, a new policy fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI, is studying how AI governance can protect people's rights while mitigating harmful uses of the technology. Pfefferkorn's research covers a range of topics, including government approaches to encryption and digital surveillance, generative AI and online safety, and court evidence and trust. Her background blends legal expertise with a commitment to public interest, having advised startups, represented major tech companies, and clerked for a federal judge. At Stanford HAI, she will continue to bring law and policy analysis to social issues raised by...
read Sep 23, 2024UN Issues ‘Governing AI for Humanity’ Report — Here’s What It Says
The UN's call for a paradigm shift in AI governance: The United Nations High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence has released a report titled "Governing AI for Humanity," advocating for a fundamental change in how AI is governed globally, with a focus on ethics, human rights, and global equity. The report, released in September 2024, emphasizes the need for AI governance to prioritize societal well-being over profit. It highlights the risks associated with the rapid expansion of AI, including the potential to exacerbate social inequalities and amplify disinformation. The report's recommendations are aimed at addressing the fragmentation of current AI...
read Sep 23, 2024UN Publishes ‘Pact of the Future’ to Tackle AI and Global Challenges
Global cooperation takes center stage: The United Nations General Assembly has approved a comprehensive "Pact of the Future" aimed at addressing pressing global challenges and fostering international cooperation. The 42-page document was endorsed at the opening of the two-day "Summit of the Future," an initiative spearheaded by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The pact seeks to unite nations worldwide in tackling 21st-century issues such as climate change, artificial intelligence, ongoing conflicts, inequality, and poverty. Guterres' call to action: The U.N. Secretary-General challenged world leaders to move beyond rhetoric and implement the pact's ambitious goals. Guterres emphasized the need for prioritizing dialogue,...
read Sep 23, 2024California AI Bill Faces Crucial Decision as Governor Weighs Options
California's AI legislation at a crossroads: Governor Newsom faces a critical decision on Senate Bill 1047, also known as the "Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act," which aims to establish comprehensive AI governance constraints. The bill, currently awaiting action on Governor Newsom's desk, must be addressed by September 30, 2024, with options to sign, veto, or allow it to become law through a pocket signature. SB 1047 has garnered significant attention nationwide due to its potential to be the first of its kind in AI legislation. Key arguments for and against SB 1047: The proposed legislation...
read Sep 21, 2024US House Implements AI Policy to Modernize Operations
House of Representatives adopts AI policy framework: The U.S. House of Representatives has implemented a new policy to guide the use of artificial intelligence technologies within the lower chamber, focusing on data privacy, protection, and risk mitigation. The policy was announced by the Committee on House Administration and the Chief Administrative Officer, having been approved in late August. It is designed to be a foundational framework that can be adapted as AI and machine learning systems continue to evolve. Chairman Bryan Steil, R-Wisc., emphasized that AI presents an opportunity for the House to modernize and increase efficiency. Key policy components:...
read Sep 21, 2024OECD-GPAI Merger Represents Strategic Realignment in Global AI Governance
Global AI governance evolves: The Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) is merging with the OECD's AI policy work, signaling a significant shift in the landscape of international AI governance and policy development. GPAI's initial challenges: The partnership faced three primary obstacles that hindered its effectiveness and impact in the global AI governance arena. Organizational structure issues led to limited agency for many member countries, as the centers in Montreal and Paris held primary control over working groups. Unstable and complicated funding mechanisms resulted in staff turnover and operational uncertainties. A lack of clear mission definition created confusion about GPAI's primary...
read Sep 19, 2024Alation and Salesforce Unite to Boost Enterprise Data Governance
Data governance partnership unveiled: Alation, a data intelligence platform vendor, has joined forces with Salesforce to enhance data governance across enterprises through integration with Salesforce's Data Cloud. The collaboration introduces bidirectional integration between Alation's platform and Salesforce's Data Cloud, enabling comprehensive data governance and end-to-end lineage tracking. Companies can now access crucial metadata from over 100 data sources within Data Cloud, expanding their data visibility and management capabilities. Alation has developed a dedicated connector to Salesforce Data Cloud and is committed to deepening connectivity as new features emerge. Enhanced AI capabilities: The partnership aims to improve AI functionalities within the...
read Sep 16, 2024AI Governance Takes Center Stage in ASEAN-Stanford HAI Workshop
AI dialogue in Southeast Asia: Stanford's Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI) conducted a workshop with ASEAN leaders to discuss the impact of AI on governance, fairness, and regional cooperation. The workshop, held in collaboration with The Asia Foundation, took place before ASEAN's Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology, and Innovation in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Stanford faculty members Jeff Hancock and Sanmi Koyejo led discussions on AI governance, bias, fairness, and trust with digital ministry officials, technologists, and ASEAN community members. The event highlighted the growing importance of AI in both local and global governance, with a particular focus on generative AI...
read Sep 11, 2024AI Governance and the Evolving Landscape of Consumer Values
AI governance emerges as a critical focus: As artificial intelligence continues to advance rapidly, the need for comprehensive governance frameworks becomes increasingly important to ensure responsible and ethical development and deployment of AI technologies. The concept of AI governance builds upon established principles of data governance, which have been crucial in addressing privacy concerns and data ownership issues in the big data era. AI governance aims to provide oversight and guidelines for AI products and services, similar to how data governance has been instrumental in managing data-related challenges. Principle-based approach gains traction: Experts advocate for a more flexible and agile...
read Aug 15, 2024AI Governance Jobs Surge as Governments Embrace New Tech
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is prompting governments at all levels to create new roles dedicated to managing its responsible implementation and potential impacts. Federal leadership sets the tone: President Biden's 2023 executive order on AI led to the appointment of chief AI officers across federal agencies, signaling a top-down commitment to proactive AI governance. The executive order demonstrates the federal government's recognition of AI's growing importance and potential risks. By establishing AI leadership roles at the highest levels, the federal government is setting an example for state and local authorities to follow. States take action: Several states have...
read Jul 25, 2024Unstructured Data Poses Important Considerations for Privacy, Governance and Ownership in the AI Era
The rapid advancements in AI's ability to analyze unstructured data are raising important questions about data privacy and ownership. Key Takeaways: As AI systems become increasingly capable of extracting insights from vast amounts of unstructured data, it's crucial to consider the privacy implications: While unstructured data may seem less sensitive than structured databases containing personal identifiers, AI can still pull together inferences, timelines, and narratives that could be highly intrusive. The era of AI moving from structured data sets to a more general technology approaching "universal knowledge" is both thrilling and potentially terrifying from a privacy perspective. Advancements in AI...
read Jun 28, 2024AI Governance: The Urgent Need for a Tech-Savvy President in the AI Era
The need for a president who understands AI is becoming increasingly urgent as the technology rapidly advances and tech leaders make grandiose, unverifiable promises about its potential impact. Key takeaways: Despite the current limitations of AI, it is poised to significantly change many aspects of our lives in the coming years, making it crucial for the next U.S. president to have a deep understanding of the technology and its implications: The policies and regulations set by the next administration will have lasting impacts on how AI is developed and deployed, as well as the responsibilities and liabilities of companies in...
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