Policy Blog Templates (49)

SIIA Supports the Artificial Intelligence Public Awareness and Education Campaign Act

by Policy

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

The Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA) applauds Senators Young and Schatz for introducing the Artificial Intelligence Public Awareness and Education Campaign Act. It is crucial to increase public engagement around AI as soon as possible. Many Americans are still new to understanding AI’s use cases for their daily lives, along with the risks and opportunities associated with the technology. This bill empowers the Department of Commerce to coordinate with other agencies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to develop a robust AI awareness campaign. We are in the midst of ongoing debates about what role AI technology should play in society and where it should have guardrails. It is important for Americans from all backgrounds to have the opportunity to engage in these discussions. In order to enhance public participation in AI discourse, this bill provides proper avenues aimed at creating a baseline of knowledge which will be amplified upon further education and awareness.

In addition, we must inspire and motivate the upcoming generation of AI talent in both the public and private sectors. SIIA appreciates that this legislation includes an initiative to raise awareness of AI workforce opportunities in the federal government. Industry and government are able to collaborate more effectively to solve the problems of tomorrow when we invest in expertise and resources across both sectors.

SIIA looks forward to working with Congress and other government stakeholders to promote education and awareness in AI.

Policy Blog Templates (48)

SIIA Submission to ATR on AI and Competition

by Policy

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) submitted comments to the Antitrust Division addressing the state of competition in the AI ecosystem, emphasizing that generative AI is still in its early stages but showing strong competitive dynamics. The letter highlights the significant innovation and rivalry among market participants, which benefits consumers through enhanced value, service, and choice. It discusses the key components of the AI stack—compute resources, data, storage, models, and talent—illustrating how they interrelate to form the AI value chain. The letter stresses that an aggressive enforcement approach could stifle innovation and recommends a balanced competition policy.

The letter also identifies potential barriers to entry in the AI market, such as the high cost of compute resources, access to robust data, and the need for skilled talent. While these barriers exist, the letter argues that the cloud industry, which underpins the AI ecosystem, is dynamic and highly competitive, offering significant benefits like scalability, flexibility, and democratized access to technology. The letter concludes by advocating for careful consideration of competition policies to avoid hindering the rapid growth and evolution of the AI market.

Full Letter Here
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SIIA Submission to the CMA on DMCC Consultation

by Policy

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) welcomes the opportunity to provide comments on the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) draft digital markets competition regime guidance. Representing nearly 400 members globally, SIIA emphasizes the importance of fostering a competitive environment that promotes innovation and consumer benefits. SIIA expresses concerns about the vagueness of the Draft Guidance and the potential for broad discretionary power by the CMA, which could lead to significant rule of law and due process issues.

SIIA highlights that the Draft Guidance lacks clear definitions of critical terms and fails to provide specific guidelines for businesses designated as having Strategic Market Status (SMS). The association urges the CMA to offer more detailed and transparent guidance on compliance expectations, evidence requirements, and the evaluation of SMS criteria. SIIA also recommends that the CMA revise its approach to ensure that any conduct requirements or pro-competition interventions are proportionate and clearly justified to avoid unnecessary negative impacts on businesses and innovation.

Full Letter Here
Policy Blog Templates (45)

SIIA Submission on NSSCET Implementation Roadmap

by Policy

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) commends the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for its comprehensive Implementation Roadmap for the National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology (NSSCET). SIIA appreciates the inclusion of stakeholder feedback and believes the roadmap effectively addresses both immediate and long-term actions needed to maintain U.S. leadership in standards development for critical and emerging technologies. They highlight the importance of engaging with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, suggesting that more detailed strategies for involving these entities will strengthen the overall strategy and ensure effective stakeholder engagement. SIIA supports the roadmap’s focus on removing barriers to private sector participation, tracking U.S. Government programs, establishing interagency coordination mechanisms, and expanding support for private sector-led innovation and strategic cooperation.

Additionally, SIIA underscores the need for improved communication channels between the public and private sectors, recommending concrete information sharing and feedback mechanisms. They support the roadmap’s emphasis on increasing R&D funding and sustaining U.S. representation in international standards governance. To further enhance the roadmap, SIIA suggests developing “NSSCET profiles” for different categories of critical and emerging technologies, starting with privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs). This approach would consider the unique needs, risks, and development status of each category, ensuring targeted strategies and better alignment with evolving priorities.

Full Letter Here
THEVERGE

In the News: FTC Cracks Down On NGL Messaging App Over Alleged Stealth Marketing, AI Falsehoods

by Policy
In a recent feature by Market Brief, the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) was prominently quoted regarding the FTC’s crackdown on the NGL Messaging App over alleged stealth marketing and AI falsehoods. The article highlights SIIA’s critical perspective on the need for transparent and ethical AI practices. SIIA advocates for stringent regulations that protect consumers and ensure the integrity of AI applications in the market. Read the full article to explore SIIA’s comments on the importance of ethical AI development.
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