First-in-the-nation law would require commonsense safety plans for AI systems
Omidyar Network today endorsed New York’s Responsible AI Safety and Education Act (S6953B/A6453B), a first-in-the-nation law that would require major AI companies develop safety plans to prevent their systems from enabling widespread harm, automated crime, or the development of bioweapons. Omidyar Network’s support for the RAISE Act comes on the heels of the organization’s successful legislative push in California, which resulted in the passage of nine newly-signed AI safety and innovation bills. If signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul, the RAISE Act would represent a major step forward for enforceable AI safety standards – in New York and nationwide.
“The RAISE Act is exactly the kind of commonsense, targeted approach we need to ensure AI develops responsibly,” said Omidyar Network CEO Mike Kubzansky. “Just as we wouldn’t put families in cars without seat belts or allow pharmaceutical companies to skip safety trials, we shouldn’t let the most powerful AI systems deploy without basic safety plans.”
In addition to requiring basic safety plans from AI developers, the RAISE Act would mandate AI companies disclose if their system is behaving dangerously or has been stolen by a malicious actor. Should companies fail to do so – or fail to develop safety plans as outlined in the Act – the law grants the New York Attorney General the power to hold them liable in court. Ultimately, the Act would ensure that companies are not abdicating their responsibility to consumer safety, and would level the playing field to enable more responsible innovation across the sector.
“New York is showing the rest of the country how we can embrace AI’s incredible potential while ensuring it serves humanity’s interests,” said Omidyar Network President Michele Lawrence Jawando. “The RAISE Act creates a real accountability framework that will make human-centered innovation possible, and Omidyar Network is proud to endorse this landmark bill. We call on other states across the country to follow New York’s lead.”
For a full list of endorsed legislation, please see Omidyar Network’s website.
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About Omidyar Network
Omidyar Network is a philanthropic organization whose mission is to bend the arc of the digital revolution toward shared power, prosperity, and possibility. Digital technology is a powerful and ubiquitous force that, harnessed wisely, makes wondrous things happen. We believe in working together to guide tech’s trajectory intentionally. Our vision is for our shared humanity to steer our digital future. So far, we have committed more than $1.94 billion to initiatives that share our vision. We engage, partner, and fund some of the world’s brightest thinkers and innovators to guide our digital future toward the greatest good for the greatest number of people.