Senators Ask GAO About AI Export Controls

December 3, 2024

United StatesU.S. Congress

Summary

On December 3, 2024, Senators Peter Welch and Ron Wyden sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO),  focusing on the effectiveness of U.S. export controls on AI technologies with an emphasis on human rights risks. The letter requests the GAO to assess these controls, particularly their ability to prevent misuse by adversaries and foreign governments, such as using AI for surveillance and potential human rights abuses. The letter poses eight questions including the current scope of export controls, controls ensuring adherence to international humanitarian law (IHL) & international human rights obligations, and identifying legislative gaps that need to be addressed. The Senators stress the importance of balancing U.S. leadership in AI innovation with the mitigation of associated risks.

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