philip lelyveld The world of entertainment technology

Republicans seek to boost AI while tightening grip on social media and online speech

Republicans have introduced measures that increase oversight of social media platforms and online speech, while simultaneously discouraging the regulation of AI. ...

The Republican-led House Energy and Commerce Committee’s budget reconciliation bill was introduced Tuesday and would give the federal government the ability to update IT systems as well as use AI systems at the Commerce Department. The bill would also put a pause on states’ ability to enforce AI regulations for the next decade to allow the American AI market to grow and be studied. 

 While some politicians have been skeptical and critical of AI, the Trump administration has been vocal about seeking to encourage the growth of the AI industry in the U.S. with few guardrails. ...

It’s currently illegal to transmit obscene content via telecommunications if it’s intended as harassment or abuse. The bill would remove the requirement for that “intent,” meaning it could criminalize any content deemed obscene that is transmitted via telecommunications systems. ...

The latest version of KOSA states that the bill would require social media platforms to “remove addictive product features,” give parents more control and oversight of their kids’ social media, create a duty for platforms to mitigate content focused on topics like suicide and disordered eating, and require transparency from social media platforms to share the steps they’re taking to protect children. ...

Those who are in favor of the bill say it would hold platforms legally accountable if they host harmful content that minors should not view. Opponents said it could inadvertently affect sites that host LGBTQ content. They’re also concerned it could lead to more censorship online.  ...

“For engagement-driven platforms like TikTok or Instagram, that’s a radical shift — it’s not just about what’s allowed, it’s about how addictive and immersive experiences get redesigned or dismantled,” he said. “So KOSA is less about content policing and more about an algorithmic detox especially for teens.” ...

See the full story here: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/republicans-seek-new-oversight-online-speech-boosting-ai-rcna207347