Yesterday, I testified about artificial intelligence (AI) before the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet. The hearing examined the benefits and challenges of AI in today’s digital economy, how to build trust in AI systems, and steps the US government can take to remain a leader in AI.
I focused on two main questions. First, what is AI? The AI provided by BSA members today is a tool that uses data to help people solve complex problems and simplify our daily lives. Whether it is securing networks, improving health, or helping American farmers save money, AI is already visible in every industry, in every state, and across the globe.
Second, how can we prepare to address important issues that may arise as AI-enabled services are deployed? AI will change the skill sets needed for certain jobs. And while new AI-related jobs will be created, there will be shifts in the economy. BSA members are already launching initiatives to provide free training, including for youth and military veterans, to ensure that both the current workforce and the next generation are prepared for the future.
We are also mindful of the need to ensure that AI is both trained and used fairly and responsibly. Again, the software industry is leading – both on efforts to ensure AI is trained in an unbiased manner, and on working to recognize the potential of using AI to lessen discrimination and broaden inclusion.
There is also work Congress can do. AI depends on data, so we urge Congress to pass the OPEN Government Data Act and to lead on digital trade, including international data flows. Second, we support further work on government research on AI, including on how AI can contribute to economic and social benefit, and to incentivize private sector R&D. Third, we need to prioritize education and workforce development so that our young people and our current workforce are ready for tomorrow.
As part of all this, we need to have a meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders about how to address any challenges that lie ahead. We look forward to working with Congress towards a clearer understanding of AI, and to address these challenges and embrace the opportunities.
Thank you to Chairman Roger Wicker, Ranking Member Brian Schatz, and the Members of the Subcommittee for inviting me to be a part of the discussion. You can read my full testimony here and watch a recording of the hearing here. More information on understanding AI is available here.
Tags: AI data education emerging technologies government
Victoria Espinel is a global leader advancing the future of technology innovation.
As CEO of BSA | The Software Alliance, Victoria has grown the organization’s worldwide presence in over 30 countries, distinguishing BSA as the leader for enterprise software companies on issues including artificial intelligence, privacy, cybersecurity, and digital trade. She launched the Digital Transformation Network and the Global Data Alliance, flagship BSA initiatives to further BSA’s collaboration with 15+ industry sectors globally. Victoria founded Software.org, the enterprise software industry’s nonprofit partner that educates policymakers and the public about the impact of software and careers within the industry.
Victoria serves on President Biden’s National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (Chair of the International Working Group), served as a member of the President’s USTR Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations (ACTPN), and chaired the Future of Software and Society Group at the World Economic Forum. She is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Victoria has testified on multiple occasions before the US Congress, European Parliament, and Japanese Diet. Victoria speaks frequently to groups about AI, cybersecurity, and STEM education, including Latinas in Tech, Girls Rule the Law, the Congressional Staff Hispanic Association, Women’s Congressional Staff Associations, Girls Who Code, EqualAI, CSIS, and numerous academic institutions. She has been featured in a wide range of media outlets, including New York Times, Washington Post, Financial Times, Forbes, C-SPAN, BBC, Bloomberg Business, The New Yorker, and NPR.
Prior to BSA, Victoria was confirmed by the US Senate to serve as the first White House “IP Czar,” establishing a new office in the White House and advising President Obama on intellectual property. She also served in the Bush Administration as the first chief US trade negotiator for intellectual property and innovation, a role in which she created the office of Intellectual Property and Innovation at USTR and led negotiations with over 70 countries.
Victoria launched Girls Who Code’s Washington, DC summer program and serves on the Board of Directors for ChIPs, a nonprofit organization advancing women in technology law and policy.
She holds an LLM from the London School of Economics, a JD from Georgetown University Law School, and a BS in Foreign Service from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. She is a native of Washington, DC, and the proud proprietor of Jewel of the South, a restaurant in New Orleans.
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