New York Attorney General Letitia James has released a report detailing the potential benefits and risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI. This follows a symposium organized by Attorney General James in April, titled "The Next Decade of Generative AI: Fostering Opportunities While Regulating Risks." The event brought together officials from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and experts from academia, policy-making, advocacy groups, and industry to develop strategies to mitigate risks while fostering innovation.
“On a daily basis, we are seeing artificial intelligence utilized to improve our lives, but also sow chaos and confusion,” said Attorney General James. “The symposium I organized helped bring together government and industry experts to discuss and generate real plans and next steps on addressing AI technology, and I thank everyone for their participation and insights on this critical issue. As Attorney General, I want to ensure that government is stepping up to properly regulate AI, and ensure that its potential to help New Yorkers is realized while its potential to cause harm is addressed and safeguarded against.”
Generative AI can create new content such as text, images, and audio in response to prompts. While it offers numerous opportunities for enhancement in various fields, it also raises concerns related to data privacy, misinformation threats, and bias.
Greg Morrisett of Cornell Tech remarked on the dual nature of technological advancements: “As is common in technology, new innovations raise new challenges along with new opportunities. With the emergence and rapid growth of artificial intelligence technology, it’s important for regulations to help ensure that benefits can be widely and equitably shared while people, data, and privacy are also protected.”
Panelists at the symposium discussed beneficial uses of AI while emphasizing transparency in its application. They suggested clear disclosures for consumers interacting with AI technologies regarding data collection practices. Existing laws concerning discrimination, civil liberties, privacy, data security were identified as tools for mitigating potential harms associated with AI.
In healthcare specifically, participants saw opportunities for significant improvements through disease detection advancements and streamlined administrative tasks. However, they also flagged risks such as patient privacy concerns or discriminatory automated decision-making.
Senator Kristen Gonzalez highlighted the need for further review: “Now more than ever we need to acknowledge that the AI technologies being adapted all around us need further review...I want to thank the Attorney General for hosting the April Symposium."
Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal emphasized regulatory measures following his participation: “Attorney General James is leading the way when it comes to addressing the potential risks brought about by generative AI...After the symposium I successfully fought for passage of legislation protecting models from unauthorized digital replication."
Catherine Sharkey from NYU School of Law commended these efforts: "Artificial Intelligence presents great opportunities...we must have serious conversations now. I commend Attorney General Letitia James for organizing a symposium on Artificial Intelligence."
Attorney General James has been proactive in advancing regulations concerning emerging technologies. In June 2024 she announced historic bills aimed at protecting children from algorithmic harms online. She has also taken legal action against major tech companies like Meta over mental health concerns linked to social media platforms.
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