Govt. Should Engage With AI to Support Innovation, Safeguards: Zuckerberg

Tech leaders from across the globe gathered to make important regulatory decisions on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) at Capitol Hill yesterday. According to reports, there was an “overwhelming consensus” for regulations on AI.

Among the attendees were , CEO of Meta; Bill Gates, the former CEO of Microsoft and its current CEO Satya Nadella; Google CEO Sundar Pichai; and tech billionaire Elon Musk. The conference was convened by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Several civil rights advocates were also present at the forum.

Zuckerberg discussed the potential effects of AI with policymakers and stated that Congress should engage with AI to support innovation and safeguards. The CEO reiterated that this was an emerging technology, that there were important equities to balance, and that the government was ultimately responsible for this.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer voiced his opinions on the matter as well. “We are beginning to really deal with one of the most significant issues facing the next generation and we got a great start on it today,” said Schumer. The political leader also believes that we as a civilization have a long way to go in regard to AI.

The meeting’s primary agenda was to come to a decision regarding the safe and ethical use of AI. “It’s important for us to have a referee,” , adding that there was the necessity for a regulator to make sure that organizations engage in actions that prioritize safety and align with the welfare of the broader community.

Interestingly, the billionaire tech tycoon also referred to AI as a “double-edged sword,” mentioning that the meeting to regulate AI was a “service to humanity.” Musk also added that the current forum would go down in history as very important to the future of civilization.