A senate RESOLUTION

 

to express support for the development of artificial intelligence technologies in the state of south carolina and oppose censorship or bias that would hamper the growth of these technological advancements.

 

Whereas, on October 30, 2023, President Joseph Biden executed and released the White House Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence; and

 

Whereas, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, including large language models (LLMs), are rapidly advancing and have significant implications for the economy, privacy, and security; and

 

Whereas, closed-source, for-profit AI LLMs developed by entities such as Google and OpenAI have raised concerns regarding censorship, bias, and the concentration of power within large tech companies often associated with political ideologies; and

 

Whereas, open-source AI models offer a transparent alternative where the public can scrutinize, modify, and improve the code, thus democratizing AI development and reducing the risk of hidden biases and censorship; and

 

Whereas, partnerships with universities, research institutions, and nonprofits can foster ethical AI development and promote research on transparency and accountability; and

 

Whereas, the State of South Carolina has the opportunity to attract and nurture a diverse range of AI businesses by offering data center incentives and fostering a competitive environment; and

 

Whereas, both closed-source and open-source AI models entail risks, such as the potential for powerful AI technologies to be exploited by nefarious actors, including foreign adversaries like China; and

 

Whereas, technology-neutral regulations that address harmful business practices rather than the underlying technology are less likely to stifle innovation and more likely to remain relevant as AI technologies evolve; and

 

Whereas, the State should take action to block federal overreach that could hamper the State's ability to foster an environment conducive to AI innovation and growth; and

 

Whereas, companies that develop or deploy AI systems must be held accountable for negligence that leads to the misuse or abuse of these technologies, whether intentional or inadvertent; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate recommends the establishment of clear and strong prohibitions on activities that violate privacy rights or enable mass surveillance, while carefully avoiding regulations that would inhibit technological innovation and progress; and

 

Whereas, alongside the South Carolina Emerging Tech Association, Inc., the University of South Carolina-Artificial Intelligence Institute, the University of South Carolina School of Law, the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School, and Clemson University, the South Carolina Senate supports the promotion of open-source artificial intelligence (AI) development, the safeguarding against the monopolistic tendencies of closed-source, for-profit AI entities, and the creation of a regulatory environment that fosters innovation while guarding against misuse.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express support for the development of artificial intelligence technologies in the State of South Carolina and oppose censorship or bias that would hamper the growth of these technological advancements.

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