In 2023, 460 organizations engaging in AI lobbying in Washington DC, marking a 190% increase from the previous year. The intensified lobbying activity underscores the tech industry's push to shape regulations on AI technologies.
AI research is now predominantly conducted by for-profit organizations due to resource constraints faced by academia and nonprofits. MIT researcher Max Tegmark expressed doubt concerning academia's ability to counterbalance the extensive lobbying power of AI companies. "It's very hard for academia to counterbalance this massive level of lobbying," he said, according to an AP report.
The European Union (EU) has passed first-of-its-kind regulations on artificial intelligence this year. This move has positioned the EU as a "regulatory superpower" in the AI domain. Lobbyists aim to convince Washington that fears around AI are exaggerated and that the U.S. does not need to follow the EU's regulatory path.
Lobbyists stress the importance of educating Congress about AI technology, positioning themselves as valuable resources for information in this rapidly evolving industry. "On AI, we are pushing on an open door in Congress," said Craig Albright, a top lobbyist.
Legislation on AI is unlikely to make significant progress before the upcoming November elections due to Congressional stagnation and a light-touch approach to regulation.
MIT has taken an active role by hosting briefings for lawmakers both in Boston and Washington over the past two years to enhance understanding of AI developments.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: Seattle Times, ABC News, Daily Mail Online, Associated Press, Newsday, The Detroit News