House Communications and Technology Committee Chairs Introduce Legislation to Start AI Public Education Campaign

HARRISBURG – Legislation to create a campaign to educate Pennsylvanians about the potential benefits and risks of artificial intelligence was introduced as House Bill 2314 this week by the House Communications and Technology Committee chairs, state Reps. Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery) and Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny).
 
“AI is a double-edged technology offering opportunities for greater productivity while requiring the knowledge to know when it’s misused,” Ciresi said. “Pennsylvania residents, from the very young to our seniors, need to be educated about this constantly evolving technology so that they can leverage its capabilities and protect themselves from being misled or manipulated by it.”
 
According to the chairs, the legislation would create a campaign that would aim at educating the general public and vulnerable populations such as seniors and children about the uses and misuses of AI. The campaign would address various topics, including how to identify AI-generated content, avoiding scams that use AI, understanding responsible behavior when engaging with AI chatbots, protecting personal data when using AI, being aware of bias and misinformation ingrained in AI programs, and protecting children from AI misuses.
 
“Many people do not fully understand AI,” Ortitay said. “This legislation will increase knowledge as it is becoming part of everyday life. While AI has many benefits, it can also be used inappropriately. It’s important for everyone to understand its capabilities and how to not fall victim to false information.”
 
This legislation to create a public awareness and education campaign also fulfills a recommendation from the Joint State Government Commission’s recent report on artificial intelligence.