H.R. 6402: Ensuring Safe and Ethical AI Development Through SAFE AI Research Grants

This bill, titled the "Ensuring Safe and Ethical AI Development Through SAFE AI Research Grants," aims to establish a new grant program overseen by the National Academy of Sciences. The key objectives of the bill are as follows:

Purpose of the Bill

The bill acknowledges the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors and the corresponding risks that accompany this expansion. It emphasizes the need for increased research focused on AI safety and risk mitigation to align AI development with security and human values.

Grant Program Implementation

The Director of the National Academy of Sciences is tasked with creating a grant program dedicated to:

• Encouraging the development of safe AI models
• Conducting research that focuses on understanding and mitigating risks associated with AI

Guiding Principles and Ethical Considerations

As part of the program, the Director must collaborate with a range of stakeholders, including industry experts, government entities, academia, and high-tech industries, to formulate guiding principles for safe AI development. A public comment process will be included to gather input from various sources, ensuring transparency and inclusivity.

Proposal Submission Requirements

Within one year of the legislation's enactment, the Director is required to submit a comprehensive proposal for the grant program to relevant congressional committees. This proposal should include:

• A discussion of existing AI models and their incorporation of safety measures
• An evaluation of methodologies used to assess the societal benefits and risks associated with AI
• An identification of safe AI research areas that warrant further investigation
• A timeline for the program's implementation
• Details on how grant proposals from potential grantees will be solicited and evaluated
• Measures to assess whether grant awardees meet their promised objectives

Policy Statement

The bill also serves as a declaration of congressional policy, advocating for a proactive approach to AI research that ensures the technology is developed responsibly and ethically.

Funding and Budget Considerations

The proposal submitted by the Director must also include a budget for administering the grant program and a request for appropriations regarding the number of grants to be awarded, ensuring that appropriate resources are allocated to this initiative.

Urgency of the Bill

The bill conveys a sense of urgency regarding the need for research on AI safety, given its rapid adoption in various sectors and the potential risks involved. The intent is to foster innovation while also managing the accompanying challenges.

Relevant Companies

• GOOGL - Alphabet Inc. could be significantly impacted as they invest heavily in AI technologies and would likely engage in research funded by the grant program.
• MSFT - Microsoft Corporation is also heavily involved in AI development and may seek to apply for grants to enhance their AI models and research safety measures.
• AMZN - Amazon.com, Inc. utilizes AI in various services, and this program could influence their AI safety research initiatives.
• IBM - International Business Machines Corporation is a key player in AI and could benefit from funding aimed at safe AI model development.