Us Congress House Bill HB9042

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/15/24
• Refer: 7/15/24

Caption

Civilian Agency AI Watermark Act

Impact

Should HB 9042 be enacted, it will introduce a new framework for regulating artificial intelligence technologies in civilian applications at the federal level. By providing a method to mark approved AI applications, the legislation seeks to mitigate potential misuse and enhance public trust in AI systems. This could also foster a more structured environment for federal agencies looking to adopt AI tools while ensuring that standards are consistent across various platforms and services.

Summary

House Bill 9042, known as the Civilian Agency AI Watermark Act, is a legislative proposal aimed at establishing a system of watermarks for artificial intelligence applications utilized by federal civilian agencies. The bill mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security, in collaboration with relevant agencies, develops a standardized watermark and trademark system to identify AI applications that are approved for use by federal agencies. This initiative is poised to enhance transparency and accountability concerning the deployment of AI technologies in civilian domains.

Contention

Discussion around the bill may raise questions regarding the balance between innovation and regulation in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. Some stakeholders may argue that while the bill aims to protect users and promote secure use of AI, it could inadvertently stifle creativity in AI development or create burdensome regulations that hinder the advancement of technology. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the feasibility of implementing an effective watermarking system and the potential costs associated with it.