Balancing Business Innovation While Protecting National Security

As Oakland County’s Congresswoman, in an area that includes the largest concentration of Tier 1 auto suppliers in the nation, I see the innovation and inventiveness that run through Southeast Michigan every day. Artificial intelligence is broadening innovation in Michigan’s manufacturing sector and presents us with the unique opportunity to lead on implementation of new technologies and computational abilities. However, we need to strike the right balance in fueling innovation while protecting Americans’ security.

Recognize Data as the Basis of AI Innovation

Artificial Intelligence comprises three ingredients– algorithms, computational power, and most importantly, data. The need for good data undergirds AI systems and reduces bias and hallucinations. We want the powers and perspectives of all Americans included in the data that helps fuel innovation and discovery. Earlier this year, I co-sponsored the National AI Research Resource which will establish data sets to represent all Americans.

Privacy is Key to Keeping Consumers Safe

If our AI companies and researchers are going to be trusted with large amounts of Americans’ data, we also need to make sure that it is well protected. As a lawmaker, I am focused on ensuring strong data security principles are used in data collection and supporting a governmental entity known as the AI Safety Institute to support privacy and confidentiality. The Privacy Enhancing Technology Research Act, which I authored and introduced, passed the House earlier this year. It authorizes the National Science Foundation to conduct fundamental privacy research that will anonymize large datasets and keep consumers safe.

Advancing Competitiveness and Manufacturers’ AI Integration

The AI revolution will not happen in a vacuum. In order to succeed in the new AI economy, we want data to flow across borders, supporting innovation and trade, but we also need to ensure American national security. While China is investing heavily in AI, our nation is compelled to maintain the leading edge against adversarial and illicit practices while also giving our businesses what they need to compete and succeed.

Meeting with manufacturers throughout my district, they have expressed over and over the importance of investment. They are already using AI on the shop floor, especially in creating digital twins to model and test products, but they need  even more support to take their work to the next level. I introduced the Small Business AI Advancement Act, which recently passed the House Science Committee. This bipartisan legislation directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to offer technical standards, best practices, and case studies to support small manufacturers’ integration of AI.

Together, We Can Conquer the New AI Frontier

AI is here and I expect its power to grow exponentially over my lifetime. That is why we must rise to the challenge and pursue the opportunities of AI while protecting our citizens’ privacy and our national security. Because, together, we can conquer this new frontier and harness the power of data to solve the immense challenges facing our world from climate change to cancer – while thoughtfully protecting the privacy and security Americans hold dear.

U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (D) represents Michigan’s 11th District. In the 118th Congress, she sits on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and serves on the bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence.