Lawmakers Ask Federal Agencies to Disclose AI Use Cases

Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Mike Carpo, R-Idaho, have urged several federal agencies to disclose how artificial intelligence is being used in their day-to-day operations.

While new technologies like AI come with new opportunities to better serve Americans, the government needs to identify consequences that could endanger individuals and the nation, Wyden said. Carpo, meanwhile, said that government agencies need a better understanding of the emerging technology, especially at a time when AI is being frequently used. 

The lawmakers aim to obtain information from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services to ensure that proper practices are in place to protect Americans, the Senate Committee on Finance said.

In May, Wyden co-authored a bill that would create a commission tasked with monitoring AI companies and digital service providers to protect consumers from deceptive practices.

He also collaborated with Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., in introducing a bill to protect people from identity fraud associated with AI.