The United States Congress spent 2023 busy with hearings to investigate the capabilities, risks and potential uses of large language models and other 'artificial intelligence' systems -- and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer led an entire series of such forums, inviting heads of companies, experts, and others to speak from their experience. Alex and Emily are joined by journalist Justin Hendrix to talk about the limitations of these hearings, from the alarmist fixation on so-called 'p(doom)' to the languishing legislation on data privacy that could make a meaningful difference in peoples' lives.

Justin Hendrix is the editor of Tech Policy Press, a nonprofit media outlet that focuses on how tech intersects with power, ethics, racism, and democracy.

References:

Tech Policy Press tracker for the US Senate 'AI Insight Forum' hearings

Joint Oversight & Investigations and Research & Technology Subcommittee Hearing - Balancing Knowledge and Governance: Foundations for Effective Risk Management of Artificial Intelligence (featuring Dr. Emily M. Bender)

Charter for the above hearing

Opening remarks of Dr. Emily M. Bender at Rep. Bobby Scott’s virtual roundtable on AI

Transcript: Senate hearing addressing the national security implications of AI

Video: Rep. Nancy Mace opens hearing with ChatGPT-generated statement. Advances in AI: Are we ready for a tech revolution? (House Committee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation)

Sen. Schumer's praise of Sam Altman

Brennan Center report on Department of Homeland Security: Overdue Scrutiny for Watch Listing and Risk Prediction

Tech Policy Press: Senate Homeland Security Committee Considers Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence

Tech Policy Press: White House Executive Order on AI Gives Sweeping Mandate to DHS

Listen to Emily & Alex's appearance on the Tech Policy Press Podcast

Fresh AI Hell

US asylum seekers are being held up by AI-powered translation apps

UK officials are using AI to decide on issues from benefits to marriage licenses

Refreshing chaser: Prior MAIHT3K guest Dr. Sarah Myers West testifying in front of Senate Judiciary Committee on AI concentration

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Follow Emily at https://twitter.com/EmilyMBender and https://dair-community.social/@EmilyMBender Follow Alex at https://twitter.com/alexhanna and https://dair-community.social/@alex

Music: Toby Menon. Production: Christie Taylor. Graphic Design: Naomi Pleasure-Park.