Beaver County News

On Wednesday, February 7th, House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Joshua D. Kail and other lawmakers will host a hearing titled "Navigating the Future of AI." The purpose of the hearing is to increase our understanding of how artificial intelligence technology works in our everyday lives and to discuss how to ensure the responsible use and advancement of this evolving technology.

The hearing will feature several expert testimonies, including Charles Palmer, associate professor and program lead of interactive media at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Madison Gooch, vice president of watsonx at IBM, and Margaret Durkin, executive director for Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic Region at TechNet. Additionally, ChatGPT, an AI language model, will also be present and testifying for the first time.

The lawmakers aim to delve into the capabilities and potential applications of AI, as well as address concerns surrounding its responsible use. The hearing will take place at the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology's UPMC Health Sciences Tower, located at 222 Chestnut Street in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

For those unable to attend in person, the hearing will be livestreamed on PAGOPPolicy.com. Chairman Kail emphasized the importance of this hearing, stating, "We must stay informed and proactive in understanding the impact of artificial intelligence on our society. This technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries, but we must ensure that it is used responsibly and ethically."

The discussion surrounding AI has gained momentum in recent years as the technology continues to advance at a rapid pace. Its potential to transform various sectors, such as healthcare, transportation, and finance, has both excited and concerned policymakers and the public alike.

As the hearing approaches, stakeholders from various backgrounds are expressing their thoughts on the matter. Charles Palmer, the associate professor from Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, believes that "AI has the power to greatly enhance our lives, but it also presents challenges in terms of ethics and privacy. It is crucial that we have open discussions about these concerns to ensure responsible development and deployment of AI systems."

Madison Gooch, the vice president of watsonx at IBM, also recognizes the importance of responsible AI development. She states, "IBM is committed to developing AI technologies that are transparent, explainable, and unbiased. Collaboration between industry, academia, and policymakers is essential in shaping the future of AI in a manner that benefits society as a whole."

Margaret Durkin, the executive director for Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic Region at TechNet, echoes these sentiments. She emphasizes the need for careful consideration of the potential risks and rewards of AI, stating, "As we embrace AI, it is crucial that we strike the right balance between innovation and regulation. We must ensure that AI is used in a manner that promotes fairness, accountability, and inclusivity."

The upcoming hearing on the future of AI presents a valuable opportunity for lawmakers and experts to come together and discuss the implications of this transformative technology. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration, policymakers hope to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in a responsible and informed manner.