Politicians Need to Learn How AI Works--Fast

This week, US senators heard alarming testimony suggesting that unchecked AI could steal jobs, spread misinformation, and generally "go quite wrong," in the words of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman (whatever that means). He and several lawmakers agreed that the US may now need a new federal agency to oversee the development of the technology. But the hearing also saw agreement that no one wants to kneecap a technology that could potentially increase productivity and give the US a lead in a new technological revolution. Worried senators might consider talking to Missy Cummings, a onetime fighter pilot and engineering and robotics professor at George Mason University. She studies use of AI and automation in safety critical systems including cars and aircraft, and earlier this year returned to academia after a stint at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which oversees automotive technology, including Tesla's Autopilot and self-driving cars.