HARRISBURG, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — A Pennsylvania House committee has advanced a bill that would require the disclosure of content generated by artificial intelligence. It’s one of several bills addressing AI, currently being considered in Harrisburg.
The bill from Chester County Democratic state Rep. Chris Pielli would require any content generated by AI to have a disclaimer. Pielli says that would let someone know if they’re dealing with a computer or a real person and allow a reader, viewer, or listener to make informed decisions.
“While all artificial intelligence offers us unprecedented opportunities, we cannot turn a blind eye to the potential dangers it poses,” he said. “I can't think historically of a greater episode facing humankind. Maybe the Gutenberg press might be up there.”
The bill moved out of the House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee, with a vote of 21 in favor and four against.
Rep. Craig Williams was one of the no votes. He says he understands the intent and thinks AI legislation is needed. However, he believes fining a business simply because they fail to include a disclaimer misses the mark.
“There is no requirement that there be any malfeasance. In other words, any incorrect information passed to the consumer through the use of artificial intelligence,” he said, “and as a result, just the mere fact of failing to put the disclaimer up brings a cause of action against the business.”
Pielli’s bill is one of many AI-related bills in the legislature. Others range from using artificial intelligence in the 911 emergency system and the 988 suicide lifeline, to prohibiting its use to impersonate someone, or disseminating AI-generated child pornography.