California lawmakers are concerned about artificial intelligence in the private sector, but there are also concerns about its use by government agencies.
Jean-Paul Mugrditchian works as a taxi driver to make ends meet.
“This job is barely minimum wage when you add in the costs,” Mugrditchian says.
He is a software engineer who has worked for startups.
“Right now I don’t have a job. That’s the only reason I drive. I’m between jobs,” Mugrditchian said.
The flexibility of driving for Lyft and Uber will allow him to lay the foundation for his next venture. He is acutely aware of the impact of advances in AI, including the proliferation of self-driving cars, on gig workers.
“We have seen with all the industrial revolutions in the past – yes, countless jobs have been eliminated, but ultimately – we have grown as a civilization. New jobs have been created,” said Mugrditchian.
Meanwhile, lawmakers are trying to keep pace.
The AI Accountability Act Bill, SB 896, introduced by Senator Bill Dodd, guides government agencies’ decision-making regarding automated technologies.
One provision in the bill requires government agencies to notify users when they interact with AI.
“The Legislature is known for passing bills for corporations and everyone else, yet it is not a leader in this area and does not enact those same initiatives itself,” Dodd said.
Ahmed Banafa is a professor of engineering at San Jose State.
He believes this type of legislation is a necessary starting point for government, AI companies and consumers, with so much uncertainty in the vastly changing AI world.
“Bringing all three parties together will ensure AI is responsible and safe,” Banafa said.
Highlighting the positive potential of AI, researchers at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence are testing a near real-time system to identify illegal dumping under the Clean Water Act, using computer vision and aerial imagery to modernize environmental compliance .
It is an example of how AI can improve the environment and human conditions.
“I think AI will allow more people to improve their functioning and that over time, all these repetitive, dangerous, body-exhausting tasks will eventually disappear and be replaced by machines,” says Mugrditchian.
Mugrditichian is more than comfortable with the rapid developments in artificial intelligence and believes in its potential, rather than its drawbacks.
The AI Accountability Act bill making its way through the Legislature also encourages the state to invest in AI education and build AI competency in the state’s workforce.
Kenny Choi
