Module 6: Current Laws that apply to AI Systems

Question 1

AI adoption generally falls within one of two broad categories. What are they?

Answer 1

1) To perform an existing function in a new way.
2)To accomplish a new process that has not been done or was not possible before AI.

Question 2

Which US laws are applicable to AI?

Answer 2

Related to employment:
- Title VII
- EEOC regulations

Related to consumer finance:
- Equal Credit Opportunity Act
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act
- SR 11-7 (a regulatory standard set out by the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank that provides guidance on model risk management)

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s guidelines for robotics safety and “hazard analysis.”

The Food and Drug Administration’s systemic approval processes for software as a medical device.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has broad authority over general commercial operation to prevent the proliferation of “unfair or deceptive” practices. This applies to privacy and security concerns related to programs and algorithms.

Question 3

Name the US federal agencies involved in enforcement of civil rights, non-discrimination, fair competition, and consumer protection laws.

Answer 3

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• Federal Trade Commission

Question 4

How does the EU Digital Services Act relate to online platforms?

Answer 4

It overlaps with the GDPR with regard to transparency and increases overall transparency related to online platforms.

For instance:
- Recommender systems, which is ML that recommends products: Online platforms should ensure users are informed about how recommender systems impact the way information is displayed, and how and what information is presented
- Online advertising: Recipients should have information directly accessible from the online interface where an ad is presented, such as parameters used for determining why an ad was directed to them (the logic used and whether it was based on profiling)

Question 5

Outside of US federal laws, name some other laws that would apply to AI.

Answer 5

• The European Union’s Digital Services Act
• Local IP and competition laws
• Product safety law
• AI-specific regulations like the EU AI Act

Question 6

How do product safety laws apply to AI?

Answer 6

• The EU AI Act includes existing product safety laws.
• The US Consumer Product Safety Commission is working to develop standards for AI.
• Many existing product safety laws are being expanded to include AI processes and programs.

Question 7

Name some data protection laws and security standards that apply to AI.

Answer 7

• GDPR
• CPRA
• Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA)
• Security laws and standards
• Breach laws
• Other laws and regulations focused on personal data