Tech Gurus’ Initial Yelps for AI Regulation Now Morphed into a Cautious ‘Pump the Brakes’ Tone

“Tech Leaders Once Cried for AI Regulation. Now the Message Is ‘Slow Down’”

“Democrats in Congress sent letters to the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice, objecting to a data monopoly legality opinion. They argue it inadvertently benefits Big Tech.”

A few of our esteemed leaders in Congress have decided that the concept of artificial intelligence (AI) regulation needs their intellectual touch. Oh, joy! Apparently, letters have been dispatched to the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice, basically to voice their disapproval of a legal opinion on data monopoly. And their objection? Big Tech would stand to gain from it. Bizarrely altruistic, isn’t it?

Now, before the eyes glaze over due to the nerdy terminology, the whole hullabaloo is about a suggestion that making the collection, use, and sale of consumer data more restrictive could inadvertently be a boon to the big players in the tech industry. Because, clearly, having a lawful opinion in place that puts the brakes on data pilfering is, well, inadvertently beneficial to those who can afford to pilfer data.

No guessing the conjecture here: artificial intelligence (AI) regulation is of little consequence unless it directly affects the big bullies in the schoolyard—our friendly neighborhood tech giants. But let’s entertain the argument presented by our well-meaning (we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt) Democratic representatives.

They’re against exclusive control over AI postulating that a situation where only a select handful of large corporations have unchecked command over data and the AI that uses it, could harm not only competitors but also result in stifled innovation. Good points, except the status quo is hardly different.

In fairness, they show great optimism. Such high-minded principles, however, should excite scrutiny, not automatic applause. Sure, diversity in AI control would be amazing. A Silicon Valley fantasy, perhaps? Whether or not it’s achievable is a whole different question, especially given the current Big Tech power dynamics.

So, what’s the bottom line? All this grumbling about AI regulation isn’t about convenience, innovation, or even protection of consumers. But hey, the sequel to the AI regulation saga is on the horizon. Expect cliffhangers, plot twists, and undoubtedly, a lot of legislative drama. In the meantime, pull up a chair, grab some popcorn, and let’s watch the Big Tech circus unfold together. Stack the deck against them; they love a challenge.

Read the original article here: https://www.wired.com/story/tech-ai-regulation-bill/