A law paving the way for AI regulation will go into effect in New York

In July, a law paving the way for the regulation of artificial intelligence will go into effect in New York. This is reported by The New York Times.

In 2021, city officials passed legislation and last month approved specific rules for one of the technology’s most important uses: hiring and promotion decisions.

The document requires companies that use artificial intelligence software in recruitment to inform candidates that an automated system is being used. It also obliges companies to engage independent auditors annually to test the technology for bias. Applicants can request and receive information about what data is collected and analyzed. Companies will be fined for violations.

The law applies to companies with employees in New York, but it could affect practices nationally. At least four states — California, New Jersey, New York and Vermont — and the District of Columbia are also working on laws that would regulate the use of artificial intelligence in hiring. And Illinois and Maryland have passed laws restricting the use of specific AI technologies, often to monitor the workplace and screen job applicants.

Even before the law came into force, mixed opinions were expressed about it. For example, the document is called impractical. And they also point to the complexity of regulating AI, which is developing at a frantic pace with unknown consequences.

Previously, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman addressed the subcommittee of Senate Committee on the Judiciary and answered questions from lawmakers about the potential unintended consequences of generative artificial intelligence.

He urged lawmakers to pass new AI laws and regulations as soon as possible to potentially set standards for technology companies to train and release new AI systems. According to Altman, regulatory intervention by governments will be critical to reducing the risks associated with increasingly powerful AI models.