Statement: Schumer’s new AI framework reads like it was written by Sam Altman and Big Tech

Today, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer released an anticipated “bipartisan roadmap” for how the Senate could approach regulating artificial intelligence. Digital rights group Fight for the Future, who have led many high profile campaigns opposing harmful uses of AI like facial recognition surveillance, issued the following statement, which can be attributed to the group’s director, Evan Greer (she/her):

“Schumer’s new AI framework reads like it was written by Sam Altman and Big Tech lobbyists. It’s heavy on flowery language about ‘innovation’ and pathetic when it comes to substantive issues around discrimination, civil rights, and preventing AI-exacerbated harms. The framework eagerly suggests pouring Americans’ tax dollars into AI research and development for military, defense, and private sector profiteering. Meanwhile, there’s almost nothing meaningful around some of the most important and urgent AI policy issues like the technology’s impact on policing, immigration, and worker’s rights. There is no serious discussion of open source in the document, exposing a strong bias toward Big Tech dominance in the AI space. None of this is all that surprising given that companies like Clearview AI, Microsoft, and Amazon got far more air time during the process of creating this report than human rights groups and AI policy experts. It seems that lawmakers in DC are less interested in regulating responsibly and more interested in rubbing elbows with CEOs and currying favor with those who stand to profit from unfettered AI. This roadmap leads to a dead end.”

Fight for the Future will continue working with a broad coalition of groups fighting for meaningful regulation of AI that is rooted in human rights, free expression, and addressing the most immediate harms to the most marginalized people. Learn more about our work at FightForTheFuture.org

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