45+ tech organizations call for permanent AI Safety Institute
Sens. Luján, Wicker join Sens. Hickenlooper, Blackburn as cosponsors of Cantwell-Young legislation to codify institute
Leading tech organizations, companies and safety policy advocates from across the artificial intelligence (AI) community wrote Commerce Committee leaders today urging passage of the Cantwell-Young Future of AI Innovation Act that would codify the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (AISI) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
“Without an organization like AISI, the US risks ceding leadership to other countries (allies and adversaries alike) currently engaged in active development of AI metrics, definitions, standards, and testbeds,” their letter explains. “We encourage you to grant appropriate authorization for the AISI so that it can confidently develop the AI safety tools and guidelines which serve as the foundation for widespread adoption of the technology. As the Institute articulates, “safety breeds trust, trust provides confidence in adoption, and adoption accelerates innovation.”
“As organizations focused on a wide range of AI policy goals, we agree that the mission of NIST AISI to advance responsible innovation of AI systems is an urgent priority that deserves our full support,” they wrote.
The Future of AI Innovation Act is set to be considered by the Commerce Committee on Wednesday. Led by U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and Todd Young (R-Ind.), member of the Senate Bipartisan AI Working Group, along with Committee members John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), the legislation would formally authorize the AI Safety Institute at NIST. The AISI will develop guidelines, testing and standards with the private sector and federal agencies to promote robust long-term innovation in AI. View more supporters here.