North Fulton Today

Georgia lawmakers have established an Artificial Intelligence Study Committee, led by Representative Brad Thomas, to examine the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society. The committee aims to evaluate the potential benefits of AI, such as innovation, while also considering concerns about job displacement, privacy, and national security.

During the committee's inaugural meeting, Representative Thomas expressed his excitement about the possibilities offered by AI. He stated, "It's exciting to think about how this emerging technology will enhance our lives." However, he also emphasized the importance of addressing the potential challenges associated with AI, particularly regarding privacy and communication.

The committee's objective is to develop an AI policy for Georgia in future sessions. Representative Thomas highlighted the need to approach AI with caution to prevent any negative consequences. He stated, "We've got to make sure the technology isn't being used in ways that harm people."

The study committee is not the only effort in Georgia to explore the implications of AI. According to a Capitol Beat report, a House subcommittee has already begun conducting hearings, and two Senate committees are scheduled to commence a parallel investigation on November 1st.

The issue of AI is not limited to Georgia. In the current year, at least 25 state legislatures introduced legislation related to AI, and 15 states passed bills or resolutions, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). These laws cover a range of areas, including audits, education, electoral use, government utilization, healthcare, risk assessment, workforce impact, consumer or employee notification, oversight mechanisms, private sector implementation, and responsible AI usage guidelines.

While AI presents opportunities for progress, there are concerns about its potential impact on jobs. A Fox Business report warned that the rapid expansion of Generative AI, which integrates computer vision, poses a threat to various industries and workforces. Ed Watal, founder of Intellibus, highlighted the risk to blue-collar jobs due to Generative AI's ability to handle complex operations.

Additionally, Goldman Sachs economists have found that significant investments, totaling approximately $200 billion globally by 2025, are required for Generative AI to drive productivity gains through technology adoption and process reshaping.

The Artificial Intelligence Study Committee in Georgia, along with similar efforts across the country, aims to strike a balance between harnessing the benefits of AI and addressing the potential challenges it may bring. By developing comprehensive AI policies, lawmakers hope to guide the responsible use of this emerging technology.