US FCC chairman emphasises the need for ‘regulatory humility’ towards AI
On 30 November 2018, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) hosted a Forum on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. During his opening remarks, FCC chairman Ajit Pai spoke about the US government’s regulatory approach towards AI, noting that, in his view, ‘one of the foundation principles for government [when it comes to regulating emerging technologies’ should be regulatory humility’. Because emerging technologies evolve at a fast pace, ‘early intervention can forestall or even foreclose certain paths to innovation’. And it would, therefore, be ‘foolish and counterproductive’ for the government to try to manage the evolution of such technologies. However, Pai noted, regulatory agencies, as well as the general public, need to be aware and informed about advancements in the field of AI and their potential impact on currently regulated markets.
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