Brooklyn Rep. Yvette Clarke has been thinking about how to set up guardrails for artificial intelligence for years now. 

She points to one particular case that jump-started her interest.

“It was brought to my attention that deep fake technology had begun to sort of creep into the lives of many Americans, particularly when it comes to revenge porn and the impact that it was having on women and women of color specifically,” she said in an interview.

What You Need To Know

  • Rep. Yvette Clarke is part of a newly formed AI task force on Capitol Hill, a bipartisan group assigned with developing potential policy proposals that Congress could adopt for the fast-evolving technology

  • In recent years, Clarke has introduced legislation aimed at regulating different aspects of how AI is used

  • The House is not alone in its focus on AI. Senate Majority Chuck Schumer has hosted a series of forums, aimed at educating lawmakers and brainstorming ideas for potential legislation
  • Clarke said the goal is for the task force to produce a report by the end of the year

She is now part of a newly formed task force on Capitol Hill, a group of Republicans and Democrats assigned with developing potential policy proposals that Congress could adopt for the fast-evolving technology. 

Clarke’s fellow New Yorker, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is also part of the group.

In recent years, Clarke has introduced legislation aimed at regulating different aspects of how AI is used, including a bill mandating that disclosures appear on political ads that include AI-generated content and legislation requiring that companies that rely on AI for decision-making assess their algorithms with the goal of limiting bias in areas such as health care and housing. 

“It’s important that we not migrate some of our past bad behaviors, if you will, into that domain,” Clarke said. “If those who are programming don't have the experience – the lived experience – of people of color, aren't culturally sensitive to their way of life, oftentimes there will be mistakes made.”

The House is not alone in its focus on AI. Senate Majority Chuck Schumer has hosted a series of forums, aimed at educating lawmakers and brainstorming ideas for potential legislation. 

Of course, it is no secret that Capitol Hill has, in recent years, struggled to regulate the tech space – including social media.

Asked if Congress is equipped to handle AI, Clarke said, “I think we are.” 

“We are fortunate in that we have a number of members who serve in the body, some who are recently elected, who have their finger on the pulse of these new technologies,” she continued.

Clarke said the goal is for the task force to produce a report by the end of the year.