I used to understand AI solely in terms of using ChatGPT-4 to help write papers or advise me on a niche topic. I never fully understood how much AI has impacted our society.
However, during my fall 2023 semester, I interned with the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights’ Media & Technology team. This internship quickly taught me that AI’s influence extends beyond academic settings and influences various industries and government agencies. From September to December, I spent most of my days learning about AI’s dual-edged nature: how it can augment humanity and pose risks if left unchecked, especially in sectors far beyond my academics.
Considering that we live in a society increasingly relying on AI in various industries — from health care to financial decision-making to public service delivery — a lack of regulation can create biases in these systems, and industries like lending and hiring have already witnessed these effects.
A study conducted by LendingTree had shown that when lenders used AI, the home denial rate for Black Americans was 17.4%, which was more than double that of non-Hispanic whites, whose home denial rate was 7.9%. Moreover, a study conducted by the Bookings Institute found that 55% of human resource leaders use predictive algorithms for hiring. Yet, these same types of algorithms have been shown to discriminate against women, people with disabilities, and African Americans.
These studies show that the need for AI regulation is paramount, and a new bill in the Connecticut General Assembly, S.B. 2: An Act Concerning AI, presents an approach that addresses this issue threefold: to address ethical governance, enhance education and workforce development, and align with precedent legislation.
Section 8 of S.B. 2 would establish an Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council that would make recommendations for the ethical and equitable use of artificial intelligence in state governments, assess the “Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights,” advise on the regulation of AI use in the private sector, and recommend the adoption of a Connecticut AI bill of rights.
Not only does this section promote the ethical development, procurement, and deployment of AI in Connecticut, but it also tackles the biases that can be embedded within AI. These provisions allow Connecticut to foster responsible AI use that benefits society equitably, alleviating some of the general public’s concerns about this technology.
Moreover, as AI reshapes our economy, we must prepare our workforce for the future. The bill’s provisions for AI training and the development of AI-based education programs by the Board of Regents for Higher Education and the Department of Economic and Community Development are not just necessary but vital for ensuring our citizens are not left behind. Research shows that AI creates new skills and educational pathways, supporting many career pathways. Therefore, with an everchanging society of AI, we must educate our labor market and prepare Connecticut’s hardworking families for the inevitable changes it will bring. S.B. 2 can address the urgent need for AI-based educational programs to enhance economic growth and prosperity by equipping the workforce with the skills necessary for thriving in an AI-driven future.
Additionally, Connecticut can become a leader in AI regulation, as no national AI development or deployment law encompasses every way AI intersects and interacts with every field. The Biden Administration has published “Blueprint for An AI Bill of Rights,” which envisions a future where we are protected from potential harm and can enjoy the benefits of automated systems. However, these are simply suggestions rather than enforceable laws. Therefore, if S.B. 2 passes, the state can set the trend for emerging policy on a new issue, influencing other states and an eventual national version with this bill and its contents.
While a myriad of evidence shows that AI can produce adverse effects, when regulated correctly, AI can serve as a tool, allowing everyone to enjoy its benefits fully. S.B. 2 will significantly and positively impact how the state, developers, and employers interact with AI.
Together, we can create a Connecticut that safeguards our citizens’ rights and well-being, positioning us as a leader in the ethical deployment of AI.
Kelton Moorman is a member of the Yale College Democrats.