Agencies would have to include in contracts terms for data ownership, civil rights, civil liberties and privacy, adverse incident reporting and more. Image: Tada Images/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffA newly offered bipartisan bill in the Senate (S-4495) would set standards for federal agency purchase and use of artificial intelligence, including a requirement to assess and address the risks of their AI uses before buying and deploying the technology.
“As federal agencies are seeking to ramp up their purchase and use of AI systems, there is a pressing need to set standards and safeguards that will ensure the adoption of safe, secure and trustworthy AI to serve the American public,” sponsors said.
Agencies would have to classify the risk levels of their AI uses with a focus on protecting the public’s rights and safety, and include in contracts for AI capabilities terms for data ownership, civil rights, civil liberties and privacy, adverse incident reporting and other safety and security areas.
The bill also would require agencies to:
* identify, test, and monitor potential risks before, during, and after they buy these tools – including through ongoing testing and evaluation to mitigate potential risks;
* establish AI governance structures, including through Chief AI Officers, to lead and coordinate procurement efforts; and
* establish pilot programs to streamline how they purchase AI and other commercial technology.
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