Earlier this month, the European Union (EU) passed historic, sweeping and comprehensive regulations on artificial intelligence (AI). American leaders should consider this extremely restrictive plan as “what not to do” as we determine how to regulate this transformational technology stateside.
There is strong consensus among elected officials in both parties, as well as leaders in the technology industry, that some regulation on AI is necessary to protect our national security, defend our critical infrastructure and keep foreign actors from accessing sensitive, personal information.
In creating a framework for this emerging technology, we must also consider how AI can enhance our military capability, accelerate productivity, automate difficult tasks and solve complex problems, among other things. AI has the power to revolutionize our nation and transform our economy. We have the opportunity to harness that power for the greater good.
When it comes to defense, AI can fundamentally change our military strategies and applications. Military leadership determines strategies and responses based on information. With AI, we can collect intelligence faster, process the information more efficiently, determine risks more effectively and take action. Not only will AI strengthen our military’s strategic approach, it will also mitigate risk to human life. By automating many of the dangerous tasks involved in national security, American soldiers can avoid situations that put them in harm’s way.
Though the United States is considered the leader in AI technology development, China is attempting to erode our competitive advantage by investing substantial government funds to accelerate the adaptation of AI in its military. It is critical for the United States to leverage the power of AI to strengthen our defense and national security — in both the short and long term — to maintain our advantage.
With the democratization of AI — through which the technology has become available, adaptable and affordable to a wide variety of industries and markets — there’s a tremendous opportunity for economic growth. PriceWaterhouseCoopers projects that AI technologies could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to global GDP in 2030. That’s more than the current output of China and India combined.
Here in the Sunshine State, AI is powering the economy forward. From transportation to health care to tourism, nearly every sector of the economy has found ways to improve processes, enhance products and services and increase productivity with AI.
The demand for AI and other digital tools is growing Florida’s technology industry. According to a study released in 2022 by the Computing Technology Industry Association, Florida is second in the nation for job growth in the technology industry. The technology industry generated last year $80 billion in economic impact for Florida and supported nearly half a million jobs for Florida workers. The median wage in the technology industry is $81,533, which is 113% higher than the median state wage.
Miami, Tampa Bay and Orlando are growing tech hubs that consistently rank among the nation’s top metro areas for net technology employment. As a result, tech talent is flocking to Florida, strengthening our potential to be a global leader.
If the EU’s comprehensive regulations on AI were implemented here, our military strength would diminish, and all of this growth and opportunity would come to a screeching halt.
The EU’s law limits AI in education, employment, elections, critical infrastructure and border control. It severely restricts the use of AI technology in law enforcement. The new law also explicitly bans several uses of AI. Notably, it imposes new compliance and reporting requirements for technology companies that develop AI, effectively wrapping red tape around the hands of this booming industry.
EU Commissioner Thierry Breton claims the AI Act is “a launchpad for EU startups and researchers to lead the global AI race.” In reality, it’s just the opposite.
With this sweeping set of regulations now the law of the land in Europe, there’s more fear surrounding innovation than inspiration. This new law is certain to smother Europe’s technology industry, hold back commercial adaptation and jeopardize its global competitiveness.
We still have time to get it right in the United States. With any policy we pursue on the federal or state level to regulate AI, we must work to advance our nation, promote innovation and protect our people. AI has the power to revolutionize our nation and transform our economy, and we must avoid overreaching, sweeping regulations that will stand in the way.
