By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt is backing bipartisan legislation that would require certain artificial intelligence companies to tell the public more about the data their systems collect and the safeguards they use.
The proposed AI Systems Transparency Act is sponsored by Britt, an Alabama Republican, and Sens. Chris Coons of Delaware, James Lankford of Oklahoma, and Brian Schatz of Hawaii. The measure would give the Federal Trade Commission authority to enforce its disclosure requirements. It has been introduced; it is not law.
Covered companies would have to disclose information about user data, child and adult safety measures, privacy, cybersecurity and other potential risks. They would also provide information commonly placed in a “model card,” a document explaining an AI system’s intended use, training and known limitations. The proposal includes criteria governing which companies and models would be covered.
Britt said families and researchers need clearer information about how AI systems are built and tested, especially where children may use them. Supporters argue that public disclosures would give consumers a better basis for judging company safety claims.
The bill would address transparency, rather than itself establish that a particular AI product is safe. Its practical reach would depend on the final language Congress approves and how the FTC applies it if it becomes law.
For Alabama families, schools, and businesses using AI tools, the legislation raises a timely question: what information should a company provide before people decide to rely on its system? Congress has not yet answered that question through this bill.