The Road to Accountable AI

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Angela Zhang: What's Really Happening with AI (and AI Governance) in China Oct 31, 2024

Show notes

This week, Professor Werbach is joined by USC Law School professor Angela Zhang, an expert on China's approach to the technology sector. China is both one of the world's largest markets and home to some of the world's leading tech firms, as well as an active ecosystem of AI developers. Yet its relationship to the United States has become increasingly tense. Many in the West see a battle between the US and China to dominate AI, with significant geopolitical implications. In the episodoe, Zhang discusses China's rapidly evolving tech and AI landscape, and the impact of government policies on its development. She dives into what the Chinese government does and doesn't do in terms of AI regulation, and compares Chinese practices to those in the West. Kevin and Angela consider the implications of US export controls on AI-related technologies, along with the potential for cooperation between the US and China in AI governance. Finally, they look toward the future of Chinese AI including its progress and potential challenges.

Angela Huyue Zhang is a Professor of Law at the Gould School of Law of the University of Southern California. She is the author of Chinese Antitrust Exceptionalism: How the Rise of China Challenges Global Regulation which was named one of the Best Political Economy Books of the Year by ProMarket in 2021. Her second book, High Wire: How China Regulates Big Tech and Governs Its Economy, released in March 2024, has been covered in The New York Times, Bloomberg, Wire China, MIT Tech Review and many other international news outlets.

High Wire: How China Regulates Big Tech and Governs Its Economy

The Promise and Perils of China's Regulation of Artificial Intelligence

Angela Zhang's Website

Want to learn more? Engage live with Professor Werbach and other Wharton faculty experts in Wharton's new Strategies for Accountable AI online executive education program. It's perfect for managers, entrepreneurs, and advisors looking to harness AI's power while addressing its risks.

Shae Brown: AI Auditing Gets Real Oct 24, 2024

Show notes

Professor Werbach speaks with Shea Brown, founder of AI auditing firm BABL AI. Brown discusses how his work as an astrophysicist led him to and machine learning, and then to the challenge of evaluating AI systems. He explains the skills needed for effective AI auditing and what makes a robust AI audit. Kevin and Shae talk about the growing landscape of AI auditing services and the strategic role of specialized firms like BABL AI. They examine the evolving standards and regulations surrounding AI auditing from local laws to US government initiatives to the European Union's AI Act. Finally, Kevin and Shae discuss the future of AI auditing, emphasizing the importance of independence.

Shea Brown, the founder and CEO of BABL AI, is a researcher, speaker, consultant in AI ethics, and former associate professor of instruction in Astrophysics at the University of Iowa. Founded in 2018, BABL AI has audited and certified AI systems, consulted on responsible AI best practices, and offered online education on related topics. BABL AI's overall mission is to ensure that all algorithms are developed, deployed, and governed in ways that prioritize human flourishing. Shea is a founding member of the International Association of Algorithmic Auditors (IAAA).

BABL.ai

International Association of Algorithmic Auditors

NYC Local Law 144: Automated Employment Decision Tools (AEDT)

Kevin Bankston: The Value of Open AI Models Oct 17, 2024

Show notes

This week, Professor Werbach is joined by Kevin Bankston, Senior Advisor on AI Governance for the Center for Democracy & Technology, to discuss the benefits and risks of open weight frontier AI models. They discuss the meaning of open foundation models, how they relate to open source software, how such models could accelerate technological advancement, and the debate over their risks and need for restrictions. Bankston discusses the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's recent recommendations on open weight models, and CDT's response to the request for comments. Bankston also shares insights based on his prior work as AI Policy Director at Meta, and discusses national security concerns around China's ability to exploit open AI models.

Kevin Bankston is Senior Advisor on AI Governance for the Center for Democracy & Technology, supporting CDT's AI Governance Lab. In addition to a prior term as Director of CDT's Free Expression Project, he has worked on internet privacy and related policy issues at the American Civil Liberties Union, Electronic Frontier Foundation, the Open Technology Institute, and Meta Platfrms. He was named by Washingtonian magazine as one of DC's 100 top tech leaders of 2017. Kevin serves as an adjunct professor at the Georgetown University Law Center, where he teaches on the emerging law and policy around generative AI.

CDT Comments to NTIA on Open Foundation Models by Kevin Bankston

CDT Submits Comment on AISI's Draft Guidance, "Managing Misuse Risk for Dual-Use Foundation Models"

Lara Abrash: How Organizations Can Meet the AI Challenge Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Professor Kevin Werbach sits with Lara Abrash, Chair of Deloitte US. Lara and Kevin discuss the complexities of integrating generative AI systems into companies and aligning stakeholders in making AI trustworthy. They discuss how to address bias, and the ways Deloitte promotes trust throughout its organization. Lara explains the role and technological expertise of boards, company risk management, and the global regulatory environment. Finally, Lara discusses the ways in which Deloitte handles both its people and the services they provide.

Lara Abrash is the Chair of Deloitte US, leading the Board of Directors in governing all aspects of the US Firm. Overseeing over 170,000 employees, Lara is a member of Deloitte's Global Board of Directors and Chair of the Deloitte Foundation. Lara stepped into this role after serving as the chief executive officer of the Deloitte US Audit & Assurance business. Lara frequently speaks on topics focused on advancing the profession including modern leadership traits, diversity, equity, and inclusion, the future of work, and tech disruption. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and received her MBA from Baruch College.

Deloitte's Trustworthy AI Framework

Deloitte's 2024 Ethical Technology Report

Adam Thierer: Where AI Regulation Can Go Wrong Oct 03, 2024

Show notes

Professor Werbach speaks with Adam Thierer, senior fellow for Technology and Innovation at R Street Institute. Adam and Kevin highligh developments in AI regulation on the state, federal, and international scale, and discuss both the benefits and dangers of regulatory engagement in the area. They consider the notion of AI as a "field-of-fields," and the value of a sectoral approach to regulation, looking back to the development of regulatory approaches for the internet. Adam discusses what types of AI regulations can best balance accountability with innovation, protecting smaller AI developers and startups.

Adam Thierer specializes in entrepreneurialism, Internet, and free-speech issues, with a focus on emerging technologies. He is a senior fellow for the Technology & Innovation team at R Street Institute, a leading public policy think tank, and previously spent 12 years as a senior fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Adam has also worked for the Progress and Freedom Foundation, the Adam Smith Institute, the Heritage Foundation and the Cato Institute. Adam has published 10 books on a wide range of topics, including online child safety, internet governance, intellectual property, telecommunications policy, media regulation and federalism.

Flexible, Pro-Innovation Governance Strategies for Artificial Intelligence

Permissionless Innovation: The Continuing Case for Comprehensive Technological Freedom

Reggie Townsend: The Deliberate and Intentional Path to Trustworthy AI Sep 26, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Kevin Werbach is joined by Reggie Townsend, VP of Data Ethics at SAS, an analytics software for business platform. Together they discuss SAS's nearly 50-year long history of supporting business's technology and the recent implementation of responsible AI initiatives. Reggie introduces model cards and the importance of variety in AI systems across diverse stakeholders and sectors. Reggie and Kevin explore the increase in both consumer trust and purchases when they feel a brand is ethical in its use of AI and the importance of trustworthy AI in employee retention and recruitment. Their discussion approaches the idea of bias in an untraditional way, highlighting the positive humanistic nature of bias and learning to manage the negative implications. Finally, Reggie shares his insights on fostering ethical AI practices through literacy and open dialogue, stressing the importance of authentic commitment and collaboration among developers, deployers, and regulators.

SAS adds to its trustworthy AI offerings with model cards and AI governance services

Article by Reggie Townsend: Talking AI in Washington, DC

Reggie Townsend oversees the Data Ethics Practice (DEP) at SAS Institute. He leads the global effort for consistency and coordination of strategies that empower employees and customers to deploy data driven systems that promote human well-being, agency and equity. He has over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, management, and consulting focusing on topics such as advanced analytics, cloud computing and artificial intelligence. With visibility across multiple industries and sectors where the use of AI is growing, he combines this extensive business and technology expertise with a passion for equity and human empowerment.

Helen Toner: AI Safety in a World of Uncertainty Sep 19, 2024

Show notes

Join Professor Kevin Werbach in his discussion with Helen Toner, Director of Strategy and Foundational Research Grants at Georgetown's Center for Security and Emerging Technology. In this episode, Werbach and Toner discuss how the public views AI safety and ethics and both the positive and negative outcomes of advancements in AI. We discuss Toner's lessons from the unsuccessful removal of Sam Altman as the CEO of OpenAI, oversight structures to audit and approve the AI companies deploy, and the role of the government in AI accountability. Finally, Toner explains how businesses can take charge of their responsible AI deployment.

Helen Toner is the Director of Strategy and Foundational Research Grants at Georgetown's Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET). She previously worked as a Senior Research Analyst at Open Philanthropy, where she advised policymakers and grantmakers on AI policy and strategy. Between working at Open Philanthropy and joining CSET, Helen lived in Beijing, studying the Chinese AI ecosystem as a Research Affiliate of Oxford University's Center for the Governance of AI. From 2021-2023, she served on the board of OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.

Helen Toner's TED Talk: How to Govern AI, Even if it's Hard to Predict

Helen Toner on the OpenAI Coup "It was about trust and accountability" (Financial Times)

See you in September for Season 2! Jul 18, 2024

Show notes

After 16 episodes in Season 1, we're taking a summer break at The Road to Accountable AI. Look for more compelling content on AI governance, regulation, ethics, and responsibility when we return in September.

Nuala O'Connor: Frontline Human-Machine Interface at Walmart Jul 11, 2024

Show notes

Join Kevin and Nuala as they discuss Walmart's approach to AI governance, emphasizing the application of existing corporate principles to new technologies. She explains the Walmart Responsible AI Pledge, its collaborative creation process, and the importance of continuous monitoring to ensure AI tools align with corporate values. Nuala reveals her commitment to responsible AI with a focus on customer centricity at Walmart with the mantra "Inform, Educate, Entertain" and examples like the "Ask Sam" tool that aids associates. They address the complexities of AI implementation, including bias, accuracy, and trust, and the challenges of standardizing AI frameworks. Kevin and Nuala conclude with reflections on the need for humility and agility in the evolving AI landscape, emphasizing the ongoing responsibility of technology providers to ensure positive impacts.

Nuala O'Connor is the SVP and chief counsel, digital citizenship, at Walmart. Nuala leads the company's Digital Citizenship organization, which advances the ethical use of data and responsible use of technology. Before joining Walmart, Nuala served as president and CEO of the Center for Democracy and Technology. In the private sector, Nuala has served in a variety of privacy leadership and legal counsel roles at Amazon, GE and DoubleClick. In the public sector, Nuala served as the first chief privacy officer at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. She also served as deputy director of the Office of Policy and Strategic Planning, and later as chief counsel for technology at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Nuala holds a B.A. from Princeton University, an M.Ed. from Harvard University and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.

Nuala O'Connor to Join Walmart in New Digital Citizenship Role

Walmart launches its own voice assistant, 'Ask Sam,' initially for employee use

Our Responsible AI Pledge: Setting the Bar for Ethical AI

Suresh Venkatasubramanian: Blueprints and Redesign: Academia to the White House and Back Jul 04, 2024

Show notes

Join Kevin and Suresh as they discuss the latest tools and frameworks that companies can use to effectively combat algorithmic bias, all while navigating the complexities of integrating AI into organizational strategies. Suresh describes his experiences at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the creation of the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, including its five fundamental principles—safety and effectiveness, non-discrimination, data minimization, transparency, and accountability. Suresh and Kevin dig into the economic and logistical challenges that academics face in government roles and highlight the importance of collaborative efforts alongside clear rules to follow in fostering ethical AI. The discussion highlights the importance of education, cultural shifts, and the role of the European Union's AI Act in shaping global regulatory frameworks. Suresh discusses his creation of Brown University's Center on Technological Responsibility, Reimagination, and Redesign, and why trust and accountability are paramount, especially with the rise of Large Language Models.

Suresh Venkatasubramanian is a Professor of Data Science and Computer Science at Brown University. Suresh's background is in algorithms and computational geometry, as well as data mining and machine learning. His current research interests lie in algorithmic fairness, and more generally the impact of automated decision-making systems in society. Prior to Brown University, Suresh was at the University of Utah, where he received a CAREER award from the NSF for his work in the geometry of probability. He has received a test-of-time award at ICDE 2017 for his work in privacy. His research on algorithmic fairness has received press coverage across North America and Europe, including NPR's Science Friday, NBC, and CNN, as well as in other media outlets. For the 2021–2022 academic year, he served as Assistant Director for Science and Justice in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights

Brown University's Center on Technological Responsibility, Reimagination, and Redesign

Brown professor Suresh Venkatasubramanian tackles societal impact of computer science at White House

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