Artificial Intelligence: The Complex Networks Behind Legislation

Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming more advanced and prevalent in all aspects of life, bringing to light the need for official standards and regulations. The regulatory process for emerging technologies like AI, however, is lengthy, and includes a wide array of agencies and stakeholders both within and outside of all branches of government before any legislation can be proposed, much less enacted. AI regulation is vitally important, and can also be used to demonstrate the overall regulatory process. The House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology plays an important role in determining standards through NIST and thereby other government agencies, but there is much more to AI regulation than just the House Science Committee. Some other inputs to the regulatory framework include House and Senate Judiciary Committees, the Executive and Judiciary branches, and outside experts. The consequences and implications of AI are vast and far reaching. Through gaining a complete picture of the regulatory ecosystem, one can better understand the challenges and pitfalls that the U.S. is facing before any significant legislation – AI or otherwise – can be passed.