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U.S. Agency Calls for Audits of AI Systems to Hold Companies Accountable

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By Gopal Ratnam, CQ-Roll Call (TNS)

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.

Davidson said such a system of audits would be similar to financial audits that public companies undertake to certify financial performance based on a broadly accepted set of accounting and compliance principles.

The NTIA recommendations would likely feed into decisions Congress and the executive branch make in the coming months on how to devise regulations and laws for artificial intelligence systems.

Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., has held a series of briefings for lawmakers on AI with the goal of drafting legislation. In February the House launched a bipartisan task force on AI led by Reps. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., and Ted Lieu, D-Calif.

A legislative framework proposed by Sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Josh Hawley, R-Mo., last year would hold AI systems accountable by creating a new federal oversight agency that “should have the authority to conduct audits” and issue licenses to companies developing AI systems used in high-risk situations such as facial recognition and others.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Sens. John Thune, R-S.D., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., unveiled legislation late last year that promises to bring greater transparency to the development of artificial intelligence systems and hold companies developing such systems accountable.

The bill would create an advisory body of industry experts to guide the Commerce Department on standards for AI systems in use at infrastructure facilities, within criminal justice systems, in the collection of biometric information and other critical areas.

Not all of the recommendations in the NTIA report require legislation, Davidson said, adding that the agency is working with Congress on those issues.

The report calls for supporting the U.S. AI Safety Institute at the National Institutes of Standards and Technology as well as federal agencies to work with companies and advocacy groups to develop and design audits, and liability standards including who should be held responsible for harms produced by AI systems.

Davidson said building a well-functioning auditing system for AI could take years, and would include building a “workforce of AI auditors … so that we can make sure that there’s a level of independence” among auditors and auditing firms.

Existing regulatory agencies including the Food and Drug Administration, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Federal Trade Commission and others that are already looking at how to regulate AI systems within their respective fields can incorporate auditing mechanisms, Davidson said.

The report also calls for consequences for AI developers who misrepresent how their systems work, and those would include both regulatory and marketplace consequences, Davidson said.

Labels similar to Energy Star ratings and other similar seals of approval could help consumers figure out whether they can trust AI systems, Davidson said.

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©2024 CQ-Roll Call Inc. Visit at rollcall.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC.

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Leaders

Mark Cuban is The Maverick Entrepreneur Changing Business and Beyond

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Mark Cuban's journey embodies the American entrepreneurial spirit

From selling garbage bags door-to-door as a child to becoming a billionaire tech pioneer and beloved “Shark,” Mark Cuban’s journey embodies the American entrepreneurial spirit. His straight-talking approach and business acumen have made him one of the most recognizable business figures of our time.

Early Life and Education

Born in Pittsburgh on July 31, 1958, to working-class parents, Cuban learned the value of hustle early. His grandfather, a Russian immigrant, sold merchandise from the back of his car—perhaps planting the entrepreneurial seed that would define Cuban’s future.

After graduating from Indiana University in 1981 with a degree in business, Cuban didn’t follow a traditional career path. Instead, he moved to Dallas with just $60 in his pocket, sleeping on the floor of a friend’s apartment while working as a bartender.

Building His Fortune

Cuban’s first major success came in 1990 when he sold his computer consulting firm, MicroSolutions, for $6 million. However, his true financial breakthrough arrived during the internet boom of the 1990s. Cuban and his business partner Todd Wagner founded Broadcast.com, an internet radio company that streamed audio of sports events and other content.

In 1999, Yahoo acquired Broadcast.com for $5.7 billion in stock—a deal that instantly made Cuban a billionaire and cemented his place in tech history.

The Dallas Mavericks Era

In 2000, Cuban purchased a majority stake in the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks for $285 million. Under his passionate and sometimes controversial leadership, the team transformed from a struggling franchise into NBA champions in 2011.

Unlike traditional team owners, Cuban sits courtside at games, openly criticizes referees, and maintains close relationships with players. His hands-on approach revolutionized NBA ownership culture and turned the Mavericks into a billion-dollar franchise.

Beyond Business: Media and Philanthropy

Cuban’s charismatic personality made him a natural fit for television. Since 2011, he has been a main investor on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” where his no-nonsense approach and investment savvy have helped launch numerous successful startups.

Behind the public persona lies a dedicated philanthropist. The Mark Cuban Foundation supports various causes, including entrepreneurship programs for at-risk youth and research into treating rare diseases. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuban launched Cost Plus Drugs, aiming to dramatically reduce prescription medication prices for millions of Americans.

Looking Forward

Today, Cuban continues to disrupt industries through his forward-thinking investments in AI, cryptocurrency, and healthcare. Despite his billions, colleagues describe him as remarkably approachable and genuinely passionate about helping entrepreneurs succeed.

Cuban remains focused on making healthcare more affordable through Cost Plus Drugs and exploring new frontiers in digital technology. His commitment to transparency in business practices and creating opportunities for others forms the cornerstone of his ongoing legacy.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Cuban’s advice remains consistent: follow your passion, outwork the competition, and always be learning. As he often says, “Work like there is someone working 24 hours a day to take it all away from you.”

Mark Cuban’s journey from selling garbage bags to building a multi-billion-dollar empire proves that with determination, innovation, and a willingness to challenge the status quo, extraordinary success is possible.

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Technology

Quantum Computing is Transforming Industries, Security, and Future Technologies

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Quantum Computing is Transforming Industries, Security, and Future Technologies

Quantum computing is rapidly emerging as one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century. Unlike classical computers, which use bits to process information as either 0s or 1s, quantum computers leverage qubits, allowing them to exist in multiple states simultaneously. This property, known as superposition, along with entanglement and quantum tunneling, enables quantum computers to solve complex problems exponentially faster than traditional systems. As this technology advances, industries across the board are exploring its potential to revolutionize computing, security, and data processing.

Real-World Applications of Quantum Computing in Industries

Several industries are already benefiting from quantum computing’s capabilities. In healthcare, quantum algorithms are accelerating drug discovery by simulating molecular structures at an unprecedented scale, significantly reducing the time required for pharmaceutical research. Financial institutions are leveraging quantum computing to optimize trading strategies, portfolio management, and risk assessment. In manufacturing, quantum simulations enhance material science, leading to the development of stronger and more efficient materials. The logistics sector is also utilizing quantum computing to optimize supply chain management, reducing operational costs and improving efficiency.

Key Developments from Tech Giants in Quantum Research

Leading technology companies such as Google, IBM, Microsoft, and Intel are at the forefront of quantum computing research. Google made headlines with its claim of achieving quantum supremacy in 2019 when its quantum processor completed a calculation in 200 seconds that would take a classical supercomputer thousands of years. IBM continues to advance its quantum computing roadmap with cloud-accessible quantum computers and the development of a 1,000-qubit processor. Microsoft is investing heavily in topological qubits, a novel approach aimed at creating more stable quantum processors. Meanwhile, Intel is working on silicon-based quantum chips, striving to make quantum computing more scalable and accessible.

Quantum Cryptography and Its Potential to Redefine Security

As quantum computers advance, they pose a significant threat to current encryption methods. Traditional cryptographic techniques, such as RSA and ECC encryption, rely on the difficulty of factoring large numbers, a challenge that quantum computers can overcome almost instantly. Quantum cryptography, particularly quantum key distribution (QKD), offers a solution by leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to create theoretically unbreakable encryption. Governments and cybersecurity firms are actively researching post-quantum cryptographic solutions to safeguard sensitive data against potential quantum attacks.

Challenges in Scaling Quantum Technologies

Despite its immense potential, quantum computing faces several challenges before it can become widely adopted. One of the biggest hurdles is qubit stability, as qubits are highly sensitive to environmental disturbances, leading to errors in computations. Error correction mechanisms are still in their early stages, requiring significant advancements before quantum computers can handle large-scale, practical applications. Additionally, quantum hardware is expensive and requires extreme cooling conditions, making commercialization difficult. Researchers and tech companies are actively working on solutions to address these challenges, but widespread implementation remains years, if not decades, away.

Conclusion

Quantum computing is poised to revolutionize industries by solving complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers. From pharmaceutical research and financial modeling to secure communications and logistics optimization, its applications are vast and transformative. However, challenges related to scalability, stability, and cost must be addressed before quantum computers can become mainstream. With continued advancements from tech giants and research institutions, the future of quantum computing holds immense promise, paving the way for groundbreaking innovations in computing and security.

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Technology

Reddit CEO Steve Huffman Unveils Monetization Strategy for 2025

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Reddit CEO Steve Huffman Unveils Monetization Strategy

In a strategic move to diversify revenue streams and enhance user engagement, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman has unveiled plans to introduce paid subscriptions for select subreddit content by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to offer exclusive, subscriber-only content within certain communities while maintaining the platform’s foundational free access.

During a recent “Ask Me Anything” session, Huffman described the paid content model as a “work in progress,” emphasizing its significance as one of the “new, key features” slated for rollout this year. He reassured users that the introduction of paid subreddits would not compromise the availability and growth of free content on the platform. This approach seeks to balance monetization efforts with Reddit’s commitment to open access, ensuring that the core user experience remains intact.

In addition to paid subscriptions, Reddit is exploring the development of marketplace features within subreddits. This would enable users to conduct transactions directly on the platform, facilitating the buying and selling of goods and services without the need for third-party platforms. Such a marketplace could significantly enhance user interactions and create new monetization avenues for both Reddit and its users. However, Huffman noted that this aspect of monetization is still under development and may take time to fully implement.

These strategic initiatives come in the wake of Reddit’s financial performance in 2024, where the company reported a net loss, prompting a reevaluation of its monetization strategies. Despite the financial setback, Reddit experienced a 39% increase in daily active unique visitors, totaling 101.7 million users. This growth, although slightly below market estimates, underscores the platform’s expanding user base and the potential for monetization through diversified offerings.

Reddit’s foray into paid content and on-platform transactions reflects a broader trend among social media platforms seeking sustainable revenue models beyond traditional advertising. By introducing exclusive content and facilitating user-driven commerce, Reddit aims to enhance user engagement, attract new audiences, and provide content creators with opportunities to monetize their contributions. As these plans unfold, the platform will need to navigate potential challenges, including user reception and the integration of new features, to successfully balance monetization with its community-driven ethos.

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