Attorney General's AI Task Force holds its first meeting - Washington ...
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force convened for its inaugural meeting on Friday morning. The task force was created earlier this year in response to Ferguson’s request to address the expanding influence of AI on the economy and to evaluate its advantages and drawbacks.
Senator Joe Nguyen, D-White Center, sponsored Senate Bill 5838, which authorized the establishment of the task force. On the other hand, Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, sponsored the corresponding bill in the House. Notably, both legislators are active members of the task force.
The Significance of AI
Senator Nguyen emphasized the significance of AI by likening it to fire, highlighting its potential for both positive and negative outcomes. He stressed the importance of responsible use and data input into AI systems.
The task force comprises individuals from various sectors appointed by the AGO, including technology specialists, industry representatives, labor unions, civil liberty organizations, and other stakeholders.
Meeting Overview
The three-hour meeting on Friday primarily involved a review of the task force's bylaws, the establishment of subcommittees, and the selection of volunteer chairs for these committees. These subcommittees are set to convene at least once a month for the next two years.
By July 1, 2026, the task force is expected to deliver its final recommendations to the Legislature.
Public Input and Concerns
During the public comment session, Changlin Li from the AI Safety Awareness Group in Seattle expressed reservations about the two-year timeline for making recommendations. Li advocated for a more immediate response, citing the rapidly evolving nature of AI and its potential impact.
Li highlighted projections from top AI labs suggesting the arrival of super-human AI in the near future, which could have profound implications. Tech leaders have also warned about the possible obsolescence of white-collar jobs due to AI advancements.
Task Force Objectives
The legislation establishing the task force outlined eight initial subcommittees, focusing on various crucial areas including education, public safety, healthcare, labor, cybersecurity, and more.
Additionally, during the first meeting, the task force introduced four supplementary subcommittees addressing climate, autonomous vehicles, ethical AI governance, and ongoing committee recommendations.
One of the main responsibilities of the task force is to evaluate high-risk AI applications that could jeopardize safety or fundamental rights. Furthermore, addressing racial disparities perpetuated by AI systems and safeguarding workers from potential harm and bias are also key focus areas.
