Wisconsin Set to Regulate Artificial Intelligence as Elections Approach

Wisconsin lawmakers are entering the debate on regulating artificial intelligence (AI) as the state prepares for upcoming elections. This move aligns with a growing trend across the United States, with more than half of all states introducing AI-related bills in the past two years.

The state assembly in Wisconsin is poised to take their first floor votes on two key measures. The first bill, a bipartisan effort, aims to require political candidates and groups to include disclaimers in advertisements that utilize AI technology. Violators of this regulation would face a fine of $1,000. Various organizations, including the League of Women Voters and statewide newspaper and broadcaster associations, express support for this proposal.

The second bill, proposed by Republicans, focuses on auditing how state agencies employ AI and mandates agencies to explore ways in which AI could potentially reduce the size of the state government workforce. Notably, this bill does not specify any workforce reduction goals. NetChoice, an e-commerce business association, is the only registered group supporting this bill, while no other groups have taken a position on it.

Several other bills concerning AI, such as those targeting the use of AI in child pornography or using a person’s likeness for harassment, are currently circulating in the Wisconsin legislature but have yet to be brought to a vote.

AI encompasses a wide range of technologies, from recommendation algorithms in streaming services to generative systems like ChatGPT, designed to assist in writing or creating new media. The recent proliferation of generative AI tools has sparked both interest and concerns regarding their potential to deceive people and spread disinformation.

Various states have taken steps to regulate AI in recent years. At least 25 states, along with Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, introduced AI-related bills in 2021 alone. States such as Texas, North Dakota, West Virginia, and Puerto Rico have established advisory bodies to study and monitor the use of AI in state agencies. Louisiana, on the other hand, formed a security committee to assess AI’s impact on state operations, procurement, and policy.

Recognizing the influence of AI in political campaigns, especially through sophisticated generative AI tools like voice cloning software and image generators, the Biden administration issued non-binding guidelines on the use of AI technology in 2022. However, Congress has yet to pass any federal legislation addressing AI regulation in political campaigns.

[FAQ]

1. What is the purpose of the first bill being taken up by the Wisconsin state assembly?
The first bill aims to require political candidates and groups to include disclaimers in advertisements that use AI technology.

2. What could be the consequences for violators of the proposed regulation?
Violators of this regulation would face a fine of $1,000.

3. Which organizations support the first bill?
Various organizations, including the League of Women Voters and statewide newspaper and broadcaster associations, express support for this proposal.

4. What is the focus of the second bill proposed by Republicans?
The second bill focuses on auditing how state agencies employ AI and mandates exploring ways in which AI could potentially reduce the size of the state government workforce.

5. Who is the only registered group supporting the second bill?
NetChoice, an e-commerce business association, is the only registered group supporting this bill.

6. What are some other bills related to AI currently being considered in the Wisconsin legislature?
Several other bills concerning AI, such as those targeting the use of AI in child pornography or using a person’s likeness for harassment, are currently circulating but have yet to be brought to a vote.

[Key Terms and Jargon]

– AI (Artificial Intelligence): Refers to a wide range of technologies, from recommendation algorithms to generative systems, that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.

– Generative AI: Refers to AI systems that can generate new content, such as text or media, based on patterns and examples it has learned.

– Disinformation: False or misleading information designed to deceive or manipulate people.

– Voice cloning software: AI technology that can replicate a person’s voice to create synthetic voice recordings.

– Image generators: AI tools capable of generating synthetic images that can resemble real individuals.

[Related Links]

Wisconsin Government
U.S. Congress

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