Policy Blog Templates (22)

SIIA Expresses Concerns Regarding H.R. 8315, the ENFORCE Act

by Policy
The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) expresses concerns regarding H.R. 8315, the ENFORCE Act, which aims to regulate the export of certain AI systems. While acknowledging the bill’s intent to safeguard national security interests, SIIA argues against implementing an Export Administration Regulations (EAR) licensing regime for AI models. They believe such controls would hinder U.S. firms’ competitiveness in AI, potentially empowering foreign counterparts. SIIA contends that AI’s dynamic nature makes it unsuitable for traditional licensing approaches and suggests leveraging the Executive Order 14110 process instead. They advocate for robust review mechanisms through the U.S. AI Safety Institute and urge against treating AI models like dual-use encryption software due to their distinct characteristics. SIIA encourages Congress to explore alternative strategies and offers collaboration with the Committee moving forward.
Full Letter Here
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SIIA’s Comments on the Rules Committee Markup of AI Election Bills S.2770, S.3875, and S.3897

by Policy
The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) submitted a letter to the Senate Rules Committee concerning the markup of election-focused bills, specifically S.2770, S.3875, and S.3897. Highlighting the importance of free and fair elections, SIIA emphasizes the role of technology in facilitating access to information and interaction between constituents and politicians. While supporting measures like S.3897 and S.3875 for their balanced approach in addressing AI technology in elections, SIIA urges the rejection of S.2770, citing concerns about potential infringement on free speech and chilling effects on innovation. SIIA also notes existing legal frameworks addressing deceptive AI use and calls for Congress to carefully consider the balance between protecting free speech and ensuring fair elections.
Full Letter Here
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SIIA Statement on Senate AI Working Group Roadmap

by Policy

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

SIIA applauds the release of “Driving U.S. Innovation in Artificial Intelligence: A Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence Policy in the United States Senate (“Roadmap”),” by Senate Majority Leader Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Rounds (R-SD), Heinrich (D-NM), and Young (R-IN). The Roadmap reflects thorough, thoughtful engagement with the challenges and opportunities of AI and is an ambitious yet realistic plan to advance U.S. leadership and innovation.

The Roadmap’s call for $32 billion in annual funding for AI R&D will provide the infrastructure needed to ensure the U.S. remains a leader in AI by expanding access to computing, developing technologies to supplement private sector innovation and addressing unique governmental needs including in the provision of government services and fortifying national security. As part of this, we are pleased by the Roadmap’s support for the Future of AI Innovation Act and CREATE AI Act. These are necessary, bipartisan bills that Congress should act on immediately.

We are also pleased that the Roadmap calls for legislation to address issues around non-consensual distribution of intimate deepfakes. This is a gap in the law that warrants a bipartisan solution.

SIIA has long advocated for targeted, sector specific guardrails and we are pleased to see this bedrock principle reflected in the Roadmap.  We are encouraged by the AI Working Group’s call for public-private collaboration, including information sharing on risks, as a way to advance U.S. leadership and innovation. We commend the Senate AI Working Group for leaning into the substantial work underway in the Executive Branch and focusing Congressional efforts towards filling in the gaps that will provide the administration with critical authorities and appropriations.

We urge the Senate AI Working Group to continue to highlight areas not covered in this document such as education. An insight forum to bring together stakeholders in the education community like students, parents, educators, leaders from institutions of higher education, developers, deployers, IT professionals, researchers, privacy experts and others would be particularly beneficial for Senators and staff to learn more about the optimism and concerns from the community.

We look forward to working with the Senate to advance the vision set out in the Roadmap.

 

Policy Blog Templates (3)

SIIA’s Feedback on S.1291: Enhancing Online Safety for Children

by Policy

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) has submitted feedback on the Protecting Kids on Social Media Act (S.1291), which is under consideration by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. While acknowledging the importance of safeguarding children and teens online, SIIA highlights concerns regarding the bill’s current form, proposing revisions to better ensure the privacy and safety of all Americans.

SIIA raises apprehensions about potential adverse effects of the proposed legislation, particularly concerning the Eyes on the Board Act, which could impose impractical restrictions on schools’ internet access. We argue against the bill’s requirement for schools to ban social media, citing concerns about overreach and its impact on educational tools.

Furthermore, SIIA urges the adoption of an “actual knowledge” standard in the legislation, expressing reservations about the current constructive knowledge standard’s feasibility and potential privacy implications. We caution against overly burdensome age verification requirements, citing privacy and cybersecurity risks.

In conclusion, SIIA expresses appreciation for the opportunity to provide feedback and offers to collaborate with the Committee to refine the legislation, with the overarching goal of enhancing online privacy and safety for children and teens.

Full Letter Here