A new bill from Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz, R-Texas, would take a step toward regulating artificial intelligence when it comes to the ability for companies to develop new services.
The proposal would require the federal government to create a contained and secure testing area for AI software, known as a regulatory sandbox. Companies would be able to apply to join through the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Cruz’s effort underscores a concern among many lawmakers that the U.S. will fall behind in AI, particularly to China, if regulations aren’t loosened to allow for more and faster innovation. With the sandboxing proposal, companies could identify regulations that are obstructing their efforts, and ask for a waiver.
For example, a company developing cancer-screening software could show why it needs modifications to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, regulations in order to test its product. The company could work with the government to determine if a waiver could be granted without violating standards such as patient privacy, safety and consumer protection.
The government would be able to grant waivers for two-year periods for up to 10 years. After 12 years the program would sunset.
