Kamala Harris’ Stance on AI Regulation And Big Tech in the 2024 Presidential Race

As the 2024 US presidential race heats up and continues to make unprecedented waves, Vice President Kamala Harris has stepped into the spotlight following President Joe Biden's unexpected withdrawal from the race this weekend.

With her extensive background in law and politics, many have been wondering where Harris stands and have taken a deep dive into her nuanced perspective on critical issues surrounding technology regulation and artificial intelligence (AI).

Key Takeaways

1. AI Regulation: Kamala Harris emphasizes the inherent risks posed by AI and advocates for more stringent measures to ensure its ethical use.
2. Big Tech Scrutiny: Despite her Silicon Valley roots, Harris has a complex relationship with big tech, advocating for increased regulation while simultaneously receiving significant support from tech executives.
3. Cryptocurrency Uncertainty: Harris has not taken a definitive stance on cryptocurrency, potentially aligning with the Biden administration’s more cautious approach.

Harris has consistently voiced concerns about the rapid advancement of AI and its potential threats.

At the AI safety summit in the UK last year, she shared her thoughts on the dangers of AI-enabled misinformation and its impact on democracy.

Harris stated, “Let us be clear, there are additional threats that also demand our action.

Threats that are currently causing harm, and which to many people also feel existential… when people around the world cannot discern fact from fiction because of a flood of AI-enabled myths and disinformation.”

Chelsea Alves , a consultant with UNMiss , said,

“As the landscape of technology continues to evolve rapidly, Kamala Harris’ approach to AI and big tech regulation is both timely and critical as she steps into the presidential race.

Her policies could set new standards for how we navigate the complexities of modern technology and individual privacy."

As part of the Biden administration, Harris was one of the driving forces pushing for new directives that require US government agencies to appoint chief AI officers and ensure AI systems do not compromise the rights and safety of Americans.

Harris’s relationship with big tech is more convoluted.

Her career began in Silicon Valley and significant backing from tech executives like LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and venture capitalists John Doerr and Ron Conway reflect strong industry ties. However, her stance on regulation is clear.

When she served as California’s attorney general, she launched the OpenJustice data transparency project, which shows her dedication to accountability in tech.

Kamala Harris’s potential presidency represents a continuation and expansion of current tech policies with a strong emphasis on ethical AI use and consumer privacy.

As the election approaches, her detailed policy positions will be a deciding factor for how Americans vote and the future of tech regulation in the United States.

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