AI Takes Center Stage in U.S. Presidential Race: Harris and Trump Shape the Future of Technology

Image Credit: Jonathan Simcoe | Unsplash

As the U.S. presidential election heats up, artificial intelligence has swiftly emerged as a pivotal issue shaping the candidates' platforms. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have both emphasized the importance of AI innovation, yet their approaches to managing its risks reveal significant contrasts that could influence America's technological trajectory.

AI Enters the Presidential Debate Spotlight

AI's integration into everyday life and the global economy has been so seamless that its sudden prominence in the presidential debate on September 10 caught many by surprise. Vice President Harris was the first candidate to highlight AI during a general election debate, underscoring the urgency of investing in American-based technology to maintain leadership in AI and quantum computing. Trump echoed the necessity for U.S. dominance in the AI sector, particularly through measures like export controls on semiconductor technologies to outpace China.

[See our previous: Can China Bypass OpenAI's Restriction?]

Divergent Views on AI Risks and Regulation

While both candidates advocate for AI advancement, their perspectives on its inherent risks differ markedly. Harris has been vocal about the potential dangers AI poses to privacy and consumer rights, proposing concrete policies to safeguard individuals from issues like deepfakes and misinformation. Her administration has already taken steps by establishing frameworks aimed at ensuring AI systems are safe, non-discriminatory, and transparent. Trump, on the other hand, has expressed concern about AI's potential dangers but has not provided specific strategies to address them. He has labeled AI as potentially "the most dangerous thing out there" due to its lack of comprehensive solutions. Experts suggest that a second Trump administration might deprioritize civil liberties and consumer protections in the tech realm, potentially leading to increased surveillance and reduced workplace safety standards.

[See our previous report: Shaping the Future: Taiwan's Pioneering Draft AI Law to Safeguard Innovation and Society]

Legislative Landscape and Future Policy Directions

Currently, no federal or state laws comprehensively address the most advanced AI technologies. Efforts to implement regulatory measures, such as California's SB 1047, have faced setbacks, including a recent veto by Governor Gavin Newsom. Despite a surge in legislative proposals since the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2022, Congress has yet to pass substantial AI legislation. The incoming president will face intense pressure to formulate and advocate for effective AI policies, bridging the gap between rapid technological advancements and necessary regulatory frameworks.

[See our previous report: EU Becomes the First Country to Enact Comprehensive AI Law!]

Executive Orders: A Tale of Two Administrations

The Trump administration issued two significant executive orders on AI, focusing primarily on fostering innovation and establishing principles for federal AI use. These orders emphasized privacy and the ability to control AI applications but were critiqued for their lack of detailed implementation strategies. In contrast, the Biden-Harris administration has taken a more comprehensive approach, particularly following the rise of large language models and deepfakes. Their executive order not only promotes AI research and development but also introduces measures to monitor and regulate the most powerful AI systems. This includes a reporting system for companies developing advanced AI models and initiatives to create a national infrastructure supporting AI research.

[See our previous report: AI is Already Out? AGI Will Be on the Stage!]

Campaign Strategies and Public Perception

Harris and Trump are also differentiating themselves through their campaign tactics related to AI. Harris has committed to avoiding the use of AI-generated content in her campaign materials, reflecting her cautious stance on AI's societal impacts. Meanwhile, Trump has utilized AI-generated images and text across his social media platforms, leading to controversies and misinformation, such as fake endorsements from celebrities like Taylor Swift. These actions highlight the broader societal challenges posed by AI, including the spread of nonconsensual deepfakes and misinformation.

[See our previous report: Is AI Becoming an Election Weapon?]

The Road Ahead: Voters’ Choice in the AI Era

As AI continues to permeate every aspect of life, the upcoming election will play a crucial role in determining the nation's approach to this transformative technology. Voters must consider which candidate is better equipped to balance innovation with the necessary safeguards to protect privacy, civil liberties, and consumer rights in an increasingly AI-driven world. The decision made in November will not only shape U.S. leadership in AI but also set the tone for global technological governance in the years to come.

[See our previous report: Navigating Privacy: The Battle Over AI Training and User Data in the EU]

Source: Scientific American