Texas Leaders Pushing for Regulation and Understanding of Artificial Intelligence

Texas Leaders Push for Regulation of Artificial Intelligence

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas leaders are making moves to be at the forefront of understanding and regulating artificial intelligence. Lawmakers in the state have formed a committee to study the impact of emerging technologies and have found a wide range of potential uses for AI, both positive and negative.

Rep. Angelia Orr, R-Hillsboro, is a member of the House Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, which is tasked with developing best practices for the use of AI. Currently, more than a third of state agencies are utilizing some form of intelligent automated solutions, but Orr believes there is still room for growth, particularly in the area of automated customer service tools.

One of the key concerns surrounding the use of AI is the protection of personal data. With no federal laws in place to safeguard data and privacy, states like Texas are taking the lead in regulating this emerging technology. Kevin Welch, president of the Austin chapter of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, warns that passing inadequate legislation could have long-lasting consequences.

Advocates for digital rights are urging lawmakers to address existing threats posed by AI, such as wrongful arrests due to facial recognition technology and the misuse of deep fake images. As the technology continues to evolve, the potential for misinformation in areas like elections is a growing concern.

The AI and emerging technology committee in Texas is set to release an initial report next Thursday, with plans to continue developing regulations to address these issues. The landscape of AI regulation is still uncertain, but Texas leaders are determined to stay ahead of the curve.