Holding artificial intelligence accountable to public interest
Globally, the release of DeepSeek by a Chinese startup raised important economic and geopolitical issues. On the one hand, it took pundits by surprise, sending shockwaves through the U.S. stock market. On the other, it elevated narratives about the national security threats of Chinese dominance in AI, prompting Silicon Valley venture capitalists such as Marc Andreesen to describe it as AI’s Sputnik Moment.
Last month was a pivotal time in American politics with significant implications for AI policy. The outcome of the elections signals significant shifts in the regulation of AI in the U.S. and beyond. In particular, the incoming administration’s desire to roll back current nascent regulations is guaranteed to shift the balance of power, control, and policy away from public advocacy toward corporate interest. A rollback on AI regulation is guaranteed to also thwart the safe development of AI systems even beyond current levels. A few developments are notable in this regard.
It is with great excitement that we release our first Newsletter on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Academic Alliance for AI Policy, whose mission, as outlined in its manifesto and captured in its Charter, is to facilitate policy research and build capacity among academics, reach out to local and national policy makers, and engage with media and the public on AI-related issues. The launch of the Newsletter is an important element in pursuing this mission.
