US agency calls for audits of AI systems to ensure accountability

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration on Wednesday issued a report calling for establishing a system of audits for artificial intelligence systems that would ensure transparency as well as hold tech companies accountable for potential risks and harms.

The Artificial Intelligence Accountability Policy Report stemmed from more than 1,400 comments the agency, which is part of the Commerce Department, received last year from companies and advocacy groups about creating an accountability system for artificial intelligence technologies.

“The report calls for improved transparency into AI systems, independent evaluations of those systems, and consequences for imposing new risks,” Alan Davidson, NTIA’s administrator and assistant secretary of Commerce, told reporters Tuesday.

“The government ought to require independent audits of the highest risk AI systems, those that, for example, directly impact physical safety or health” of users, Davidson said.

—CQ-Roll Call

Gov. Abbott issues executive order fighting antisemitism at Texas colleges

DALLAS — Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order Wednesday aimed at fighting what his office called an increase in antisemitism at Texas’ colleges and universities.

“Some radical organizations on our campuses engaged in acts that have no place in Texas,” Abbott said in a press release. “Now, we must work to ensure that our college campuses are safe spaces for members of the Jewish community.”

The order requires all public colleges and universities in the state to review their free speech policies to lay out punishments for antisemitic rhetoric on campuses; to ensure administrators enforce those policies; and to include the definition of antisemitism.

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