In the race for the Oval Office, the almost daily advancements in artificial intelligence have made this technology a key issue during the campaign. We have previously covered the Republican vision regarding AI. Now, it is important to understand the trajectory and opinion of the Democratic side on such a rapidly changing topic.
The Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, participated in an artificial intelligence summit organized in London by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This meeting, held at a former spy base near the British capital, brought together representatives from 28 countries, including the United States and China, who signed an agreement to work towards "shared responsibility and agreement" on AI risks. Additionally, a plan was established for future meetings in South Korea and France next year.
Harris, however, was not present on the first day of the summit. Instead, she delivered a speech at the U.S. Embassy, urging immediate action to address "the full spectrum" of AI risks, beyond existential threats like massive cyberattacks or AI-formulated biological weapons. During her speech, she announced the creation of a new AI safety institute in the United States, aimed at setting standards for evaluating AI models for public use. This approach reflects Harris's ongoing concern for regulation and safety in the AI field, a stance that gains more relevance in the context of her potential presidential candidacy following Joe Biden's announcement not to seek re-election.
Trajectory and Perspective
Born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, Kamala Harris has forged a distinguished career in law. She graduated in political science and economics from Howard University and later in law from the University of California. Harris is the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants. She has worked as a deputy district attorney and manager of the Career Criminal Unit at the San Francisco District Attorney's Office and is the author of several books on security and justice.
In her role as Vice President, Harris has promoted measures to ensure that AI tools used by the federal government do not harm citizens' rights and safety. This year, she announced that by December, all agencies must implement specific safeguards to oversee technologies from facial recognition in airports to AI tools that manage power grids or determine mortgages and home insurance. Harris has made it clear that while innovation is important, it must be balanced with national security and equity.
Kamala Harris has been a key figure in promoting the regulation of artificial intelligence, seeking a balanced approach that combines innovation and social protection. In her role as Vice President, she has led the creation of voluntary safety standards and an executive order for the use of AI in government. Harris stated in a speech, "We reject the false choice that suggests we must choose between protecting society or advancing innovation," and emphasized the need for strong government oversight to prevent tech companies from prioritizing profits over safety and the stability of democracy.
In a speech in November, Harris emphasized the importance of effectively regulating AI, stating that "these voluntary commitments are a first step towards a safer future with artificial intelligence; more is on the way." She also highlighted the moral and ethical role of the government in protecting the public from potential AI harms, ensuring that this technology develops in a way that benefits everyone. Harris has been critical of the lack of regulation and has called for immediate action to establish stricter standards and greater accountability from companies.
Political Future and Cryptocurrencies
Mark Cuban, a prominent figure in the business world, has expressed optimism about a possible Kamala Harris presidency, especially concerning the development of cryptocurrencies and AI. Cuban suggests that Harris could foster a favorable environment for the growth of Bitcoin and other emerging technologies, contrasting with the current strict SEC regulation under Gary Gensler.
In summary, Kamala Harris emerges as a key figure in the discussion on the regulation and safe use of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies, crucial topics in the current technological and political landscape of the United States.
