‘AI accountability agenda’: US senator unveils package of bills to curb tech’s harms

Senator Ed Markey has unveiled an "AI accountability agenda," a package of legislative proposals aimed at curbing harms from artificial intelligence. The package includes a bill requiring federal certification for datacenters and other measures mandating federal agencies to create civil rights offices focused on AI bias and discrimination.

The datacenter certification bill would establish a federal licensing process for facilities that host AI systems, addressing concerns about energy use, security, and labor practices. The civil rights offices would be responsible for monitoring and addressing discriminatory outcomes from AI systems used by federal agencies. Markey said the proposals are designed to ensure accountability as AI technologies become more integrated into society.

The package adds to a series of congressional efforts to regulate AI, with previous bills focusing on transparency, safety testing, and liability.