New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday launched the first program in the U.S. to test artificial intelligence for safety and to train experts in the field. Politico notes that the Trump administration has left AI safety initiatives in the hands of the AI sector.
– The stakes are too high to simply leave it to AI companies, Kathy Hochul told the outlet.
Politico recalls that the governor’s decision came after a series of serious incidents, including break-ins and cyberattacks triggered by AI models. President Donald Trump responded by leaving artificial intelligence companies with a full mandate to regulate themselves.
– While the federal government is failing and taking no action, New York [state] is becoming a leader on AI safety and on holding big tech companies accountable, Hochul added.
The AI testing and expert training center, established under a New York State law known as the RAISE Act, will open Jan. 1.
More than 80 top artificial intelligence specialists and scientists will work with the new center.
Its work will be overseen by the Center for AI Responsibility and Research at the state’s Binghamton University.
Politico stresses that only two states, California and New York, are carrying out advanced work to improve safety as AI technology develops; the government and Congress have not put in place any mechanisms to address the threat.
Meanwhile, at the end of October, Axios reported that the largest U.S. banks are not only working to prevent the dramatic incidents that artificial intelligence models could cause, but are also preparing for “the day after a catastrophe.” AI companies, which judge that serious incidents are inevitable, have taken similar steps.
Banks have already observed suspicious activity by AI agents; what is more, in some cases it appears that the models are taking action without the corresponding instructions from users.
Axios pointed out that while Wall Street and Silicon Valley are preparing for “worst-case scenarios,” the federal government is counting on “voluntary safety pledges” from AI companies. (PAP)
Source: Nowy Dziennik
