The Artificial Intelligence Accountability Act directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to conduct a government study on accountability measures for AI systems, focusing on their use in communications networks (including telecom networks and social media platforms) and electromagnetic spectrum sharing. The study will examine how accountability measures can help close the digital divide, reduce risks such as cybersecurity threats, and clarify how the idea of “trustworthy” AI should be defined and applied alongside related terms like “responsible” and “human-centric.” The Act requires public meetings with stakeholders to gather feedback and mandates a final report within 18 months that includes findings, stakeholder input, and recommendations for both government and non-government actions. Additionally, the Act requires public meetings to determine what information about AI should be available to individuals and communities and how best to share it, with another 18-month report detailing feedback and dissemination recommendations. An “accountability measure” is defined as a mechanism such as audits, assessments, or certifications intended to assure system trustworthiness.
Key Points
- 1Directs a federal study on accountability measures for AI used in communications networks and spectrum sharing, including how such measures are currently applied and could be improved.
- 2Explores how accountability measures can help close the digital divide and promote digital inclusion in the United States.
- 3Considers how accountability measures may reduce AI-related risks, including cybersecurity risks, and clarifies the meaning and application of the term “trustworthy” in AI.
- 4Requires public stakeholder meetings to obtain feedback and to inform recommendations for governmental and nongovernmental actions to support accountability.
- 5Establishes a separate process under Section 3 to gather input on what AI-related information should be publicly available to individuals and communities, and how best to disseminate it, with a follow-up report due within 18 months.