Responsible and Ethical AI Labeling Act; REAL Act
Summary
The Responsible and Ethical AI Labeling Act (REAL Act) mandates federal officials to disclose the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in their published content. It requires clear disclaimers explaining the AI's role and the technology used. The bill outlines exceptions for communications not intended for public release, classified content, minor adjustments to visual media, routine textual drafts reviewed by agency staff, and content unrelated to official duties published on personal social media accounts.
Expected Effects
This act will increase transparency in government communications by ensuring the public is aware when AI is used to create or manipulate content. It will also require the Office of Management and Budget to issue regulations for compliance and mandate annual audits by federal agencies. Non-compliance can lead to corrective action plans, disciplinary actions for federal employees, and potential contract termination for contractors.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in government communications.
- Promotes public awareness of AI's role in content creation.
- Encourages ethical use of AI in government.
- Provides accountability for federal officials using AI.
- Establishes clear guidelines and enforcement mechanisms.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on federal agencies.
- Possible delays in content publication due to disclaimer requirements.
- Risk of inconsistent enforcement across different agencies.
- May not fully address the potential for AI-generated misinformation.
- Exceptions could be exploited to avoid disclosure.
Constitutional Alignment
The REAL Act aligns with the principles of transparency and accountability, which are implicit in the structure of the US Constitution. While the Constitution does not explicitly address AI, the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech could be interpreted to support the public's right to know when AI is used to generate government communications. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional right and aims to promote informed public discourse.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).