PCAST Discusses AI Implications

On May 18 and 19, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) held a public meeting focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) development. The meeting was centered on understanding how the development of AI technology would affect both the scientific enterprise and society. Dr. Fei-Fei Li, the Co-Director of the Stanford Institute of Human-Centered AI, emphasized the importance of using AI as a tool to benefit productivity and not as a replacement for human work. During the sessions, speakers highlighted the value of AI for innovation while emphasizing the need for ethical guidelines and development transparency.

Prior to the meeting, PCAST announced a new working group on generative AI and a request for public input on how to prevent the negative uses of AI. PCAST is seeking to understand how policies, technologies, and infrastructure can be implemented to detect and prevent misinformation with a focus on protecting democracy. Comments can be sent to pcast@ostp.eop.gov through December 31, 2023.