The Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution is no longer on the horizon; it's right at our doorstep, and policymakers in Washington, D.C. are rushing to catch up to the unfamiliar new technology. Here are five key trends from Delve's Federal Risk Assessment on AI Policy that every tech leader, investor, and public affairs professional needs to be aware of:

Key Trends In Federal AI Policy

1. AI Reaches Its Inflection Point Amid a New Political Landscape

AI is emerging at a time drastically different from the last major tech disruption. The lessons (or perceived failures) from earlier technological leaps, such as social media, weigh heavily on lawmakers' minds. It's essential to recognize that the political backdrop against which AI evolves will be less forgiving and more proactive.

2. Lawmakers Regret Past Light Touch On Tech Regulation

There's a growing sentiment among policymakers that not enough was done to place guardrails around disruptive technologies in the past. This regret is palpable and supported by a substantial section of the American populace. The implication? AI will face more stringent regulatory scrutiny than its tech predecessors right out of the gate.

3. Calls for Policy To Catch Up With AI Development and Deployment

’Policymakers and stakeholders, including AI industry leaders, worry that without adequate regulation, the benefits of AI may be overwhelmed by its potential to harm individuals and disrupt societal norms. From AI safety and fairness to potential job displacement, lawmakers in Washington are thinking through the rules they want in their AI regulatory playbook amidst calls from some quarters for a pause, if not halt, to AI advancement.

4. The Biden Administration’s Whole-of-Government Approach

The Biden administration is applying a comprehensive, whole-of-government strategy to AI, similar to its approach to climate change, crypto, and other issues. AI entrepreneurs and businesses can expect to face enforcement action from a variety of federal agencies using their existing regulatory authority and executive actions from the Biden White House, adding uncertainty and overlapping layers of compliance to their operations.

5. Early Bipartisanship On Capitol Hill Will Likely Shift To Partisan Gridlock

While there are initial bipartisan efforts to regulate AI on Capitol Hill, the efforts will likely run headfirst into the same wedge issues that have stymied many of Washington’s efforts to address tech issues in recent years. Meanwhile, the European Union and individual states are aggressively stepping in to fill the void left by Congress.

The trends we've highlighted here offer only a snapshot of the highly dynamic and evolving landscape of federal AI regulation. If you're invested in this crucial area and require a more granular, actionable understanding, Delve's Federal Risk Assessment on AI Policy is the indispensable guide you need.

Insights You Can Leverage To Navigate Washington

This Federal Risk Assessment is designed to be a toolkit for strategic decision-making. Whether you're mapping out your company’s legislative and regulatory navigation strategy, aiming to influence AI policy, considering an investment in AI, or just want to get smarter on this transformative issue area, these insights will help you make well-informed choices.

What’s Inside Delve’s Federal Risk Assessment?

Our Federal Risk Assessment provides an in-depth look into the key elements shaping the U.S. federal landscape around AI. The report outlines:

• Past and Current Legislation: Understand the landscape of existing laws and bills and policy frameworks under discussion that could impact the AI industry.

• Executive Actions: Get a rundown of prior and likely future executive decisions affecting AI, from regulatory frameworks to funding directives.

• Policymaker and Regulator Activity: Learn who the key federal policymakers, legislators, and regulators are, and gain insights into their positions and likely moves around AI regulations.

Here is a sneak peak at the table of contents:

Who Will Benefit From This Report?

• AI Startup Founders: If you're at the helm of an emerging AI company, this risk assessment provides the federal regulatory insights you need to strategically navigate your growth and innovation.

• VC Funders: Investing in AI startups? Equip yourself with a thorough understanding of the federal policy landscape to make informed decisions and safeguard your investments.

• Policy Advocates: Whether you're fighting for ethical AI usage or driving industry-friendly policies, arm yourself with the insights necessary to shape the federal conversation around AI effectively.

• Public Affairs Professionals in and outside the tech sector: For those advising clients on how to navigate the regulatory waters, this assessment offers the critical intelligence required to provide informed, strategic guidance, regardless of your client's sector. After all, AI will transform most industries and many aspects of our daily lives.

This assessment is your roadmap to understanding the emerging world of federal AI policy. With insights tailored to ensure you can make strategic decisions based on data, not guesswork. Stay ahead of the curve and ensure that your organization or clients are prepared for what's coming down the legislative and regulatory pike.