Senator Richard Blumenthal’s recent encounter with an AI-generated speech has raised concerns about the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) among US politicians. At a congressional hearing on AI, Senator Blumenthal asked ChatGPT, an AI chatbot, to provide an opening statement for the hearing. To his surprise, the chatbot delivered an impressive speech imitating his voice. However, Senator Blumenthal expressed apprehension about the potential misuse of this technology, wondering what would have happened if the AI had endorsed controversial figures like Vladimir Putin or advocated for Ukraine’s surrender.

The hearing aimed to examine the societal impact of AI technology and explore the need for government regulations to address harmful AI products that may violate civil rights and consumer protection laws. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, was among the key witnesses providing testimony. OpenAI’s chatbot has gained significant popularity, leading to a substantial investment from Microsoft and integration into its products, such as the Bing search engine.

However, Altman now advocates for new regulations to guide the rapid development of AI technology. Recognizing the concerns surrounding AI’s potential to mislead, spread falsehoods, infringe copyright, and disrupt employment, Altman suggests the establishment of a regulatory agency to implement safeguards against AI models that can self-replicate and pose risks.

Others share similar concerns. Senator Blumenthal echoed the need for AI companies to test their systems and disclose known risks before their release. Gary Marcus, a professor at New York University, and a group of experts have also called for a six-month pause in the development of powerful AI models to allow for a thorough assessment of risks.

Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri emphasized the transformative nature of AI and its potential implications for elections, jobs, and security. While some European countries are considering new AI regulations, it remains uncertain if Congress will implement similar measures in the near future. The congressional hearing serves as an important first step in understanding the appropriate actions Congress should take in response to AI’s challenges and opportunities.