Sen. Bennet Introduces Legislation to Ensure Responsible Use of Emerging Technologies Like AI By The US Government

Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the Oversee Emerging Technology Act to require relevant federal agencies to designate a senior official able to advise on the responsible use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. Ensuring that every agency using or procuring these new tools is appropriately staffed will improve accountability and facilitate greater oversight — protecting the American people from the potential harms of government misuse and ensuring that the federal government’s deployment of this technology respects civil rights, civil liberties, privacy, and due process. Specifically, the Oversee Emerging Technology Act would: 

• Require agency heads to appoint or designate a senior official tasked with advising on the responsible use of emerging technologies.
• Charge the senior official with providing expertise on responsible policies and practices, collaborate with officials and coordinating bodies across the Federal government, and offer input for responsible procurement policies.
• Require agency heads to identify the official and provide a description of the official’s authorities and responsibilities to Congress.