Vice President Kamala Harris has taken a leading role within the Biden administration on artificial intelligence regulation as the technology rapidly advances. Her moderate approach and willingness to engage with both industry and government stakeholders could signal continuity in AI policy if she were to become president.
Harris’s track record on AI: As the White House’s designated AI czar, Harris has spearheaded several key initiatives:
- She convened meetings with tech CEOs from OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Anthropic to secure voluntary commitments on AI safety standards.
- Harris led the development of a White House executive order guiding the federal government’s use and development of AI technologies.
- She has called on Congress to enact AI regulations to safeguard against potential harms like job displacement, while still fostering innovation.
Balancing accountability and innovation: Harris has emphasized the need to hold AI companies accountable without stifling technological progress:
- In a November speech, she rejected the “false choice” between protecting the public and advancing AI, insisting that both objectives can and must be pursued simultaneously.
- Harris views the voluntary commitments from tech companies as an initial step, recognizing the importance of strong government oversight and regulation to prevent profit-driven abuses.
Potential implications of a Harris presidency: Given her background and approach thus far, a Harris win in the presidential race could mean:
- Relative continuity in the AI regulatory landscape, with companies still having significant runway to operate and influence policy discussions.
- Possible recruitment of advisors with tech industry backgrounds, drawing on Harris’s California connections and relationships.
- Sustained focus on fostering corporate accountability in the tech sector, building on her track record as California Attorney General in areas like privacy and online harms.
While Harris has taken a measured approach to AI regulation so far, her belief in holding tech companies accountable and protecting the public interest suggests she would continue pursuing responsible AI development and deployment if elected president. However, the lack of comprehensive AI legislation to date underscores the challenges ahead in keeping pace with the technology’s rapid advancement.
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