NEW Policy Blog Templates (72)

SIIA Applauds Final Report of the Bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence

by Policy

The following statement can be attributed to Paul Lekas, Senior Vice President, Global Public Policy, the Software & Information Industry Association.

 

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) welcomes the release of the Bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence’s final report and commends the Task Force Members, including co-chairs Rep. Jay Obernolte and Ted Lieu, for their thoughtful and balanced approach to guiding the future of AI policy in the United States.

SIIA strongly supports the Task Force’s vision for AI policy, one that balances the need to foster innovation while protecting against AI risks and harms. The Task Force provides a roadmap to break down AI policy challenges into manageable steps to ensure clarity and consistency without stifling innovation. An incremental approach to legislating around AI provides the flexibility necessary to keep pace with the rapid evolution of AI technologies while safeguarding public trust and safety. We endorse the report’s sector-specific approach to regulation and the emphasis on government leadership in responsible use. We are especially encouraged to see the specific focus on education and workforce emphasizing the importance of these areas on the future of AI.

We appreciate the Task Force’s recognition of the need for a consolidated federal framework that avoids the pitfalls of a fragmented, state-by-state regulatory landscape. A patchwork of 50 different AI regulations would create unnecessary barriers to innovation, undermining the U.S. position as a global leader in AI.

As the Task Force concludes its work, SIIA remains committed to partnering with Congress, the current and incoming administrations, and other stakeholders to advance effective AI policies. We believe this report represents an important step toward achieving regulatory clarity that encourages innovation while addressing the risks posed by AI. We look forward to continued engagement in these critical discussions in the months and years ahead.

NEW Policy Blog Templates (71)

SIIA Comments on Government Use of Commercially Available Information in AI

by Policy

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) submitted comments to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regarding executive agencies’ handling of commercially available information (CAI), particularly when it contains personally identifiable information (PII). SIIA emphasized the importance of balancing the federal government’s legitimate use of CAI for critical functions, such as fraud prevention, disaster relief, and counter-terrorism, with privacy protections for individuals. The letter recommends that OMB focus on tailored guardrails for high-risk AI systems impacting individual rights and benefits rather than imposing broad new restrictions that could hinder agencies’ ability to leverage CAI effectively.

SIIA’s comments underscore the need for a risk-based approach to privacy concerns, stronger adoption of privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs), and clear criteria for assessing third-party data vendors’ integrity. SIIA also highlights the risks of overly narrow definitions of CAI that could unintentionally limit its beneficial use in government functions. Finally, the association shared its ongoing efforts to develop data stewardship principles to guide responsible data practices, which it plans to publish in early 2025.

Full Letter Here
NEW Policy Blog Templates (70)

SIIA Joins Amicus Brief Advocating for Fairness in Patent Damages Cases

by AmicusPolicy

The Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA) recently joined technology leaders in filing an amicus brief urging courts to strengthen the enforcement of evidentiary standards in patent damages cases. The brief highlights how non-practicing entities (NPEs) often exploit the legal system to extract disproportionate damages for minor components of complex products, diverting resources from innovation.

The coalition emphasizes the importance of consistent application of Daubert standards to ensure that damages evidence is reliable and non-speculative. Key recommendations include requiring rigorous, quantitative analysis for assessing comparable licenses and preventing juries from handling gatekeeping responsibilities that belong to the court. By adopting these measures, the brief argues, courts can foster greater predictability and fairness in patent litigation, supporting continued innovation across industries.

Read Amicus Brief Here
NEW Policy Blog Templates (69)

SIIA Joins Call for Congressional Action Against AI-Generated NCII Protections

by Policy

A coalition of organizations, including SIIA, has called on Congress to act against the spread of AI-generated non-consensual intimate images (NCII). These hyper-realistic digital forgeries, often targeting women and children, inflict severe emotional, social, and financial damage. As AI tools for creating NCII become more accessible, victims face escalating harassment, with over 9,500 websites now dedicated to this harmful content. Minors are increasingly targeted, complicating law enforcement efforts to combat child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

The coalition urges Congress to pass the bipartisan DEFIANCE Act and TAKE IT DOWN Act, which provide victims with pathways for legal recourse and require platforms to implement removal processes. These measures represent a critical step toward protecting individuals, particularly women and children, from the devastating impact of AI-generated NCII. With time running out in the 118th Congress, swift action is necessary to address this urgent issue.

Full Letter Here
Policy Blog Templates (20)

SIIA’s Policy Recommendations for the Trump Transition Team

by Policy

SIIA outlines policy recommendations to guide the incoming Trump Administration. These recommendations aim to ensure U.S. leadership in technology, foster innovation, and support economic and national security through a healthy information ecosystem.

Key Recommendations

1. Strengthen AI Leadership
    • Supercharge Innovation through Federal R&D.
    • Promote Global Harmonization.
    • Avoid Imposing Export Controls on AI Models and Cloud Computing.
    • Accelerate Federal AI Adoption.
    • Shape AI Governance through Voluntary Frameworks and Light-Touch
      Regulation.
    • Support and Clarify Voluntary AI Testing.
    • Promote Sector-Based AI Oversight.
    • Create a Uniform Field of AI Regulation.
2. Fortify the Digital Ecosystem
    • Pass a Federal Privacy Law.
    • Protect Free Speech.
    • Promote Cybersecurity Resiliency.
    • Protect the Interests of U.S. Businesses Abroad by Amending PADFAA.
    • Pass a Responsible Federal Kids’ Online Privacy and Safety Law.
    • Support Policies Targeted to Mitigate Specific AI Risks.
    • Support First Amendment Rights of Online Platforms.
3. Cultivate Future Leaders
    • Advance Access to Education Technology.
    • Advance Responsible Adoption of AI in Classrooms.
    • Support Local Educational Leaders.
    • Promote Teacher Development.
    • Protect Student Privacy and School Cybersecurity.
    • Continue the E-Rate Program.
4. Advance Innovation
    • Return Antitrust Enforcement to the Consumer Welfare Standard.
    • Return the FTC to its Proper Jurisdiction.
    • Remove Regulatory Impediments to Business Mergers.
    • Support Existing Copyright Law.
    • Support Patent Quality in the Existing System.
    • Protect U.S. Interests in Digital Trade Negotiations.
    • Prevent E.U. Encroachment on U.S. Interests.
    • Push Back Against the Growing Tide of Data Localization.

These recommendations ensure U.S. technological leadership and global competitiveness.

Read Full Report