The big tech CEOs, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, travelled to Capitol Hill on Wednesday to share their plans for artificial intelligence (AI).
The meeting was closed to the press, but Senator Chuck Schumer, the Democratic majority leader of the US Senate, said that it was the start of a "vital undertaking" to build a foundation for bipartisan AI policy.
Europe is well ahead of the US in developing AI regulations, and there is pressure on US lawmakers to avoid falling behind. AI has the potential to revolutionise many aspects of our lives, but it also raises concerns about job losses, disinformation, and other negative consequences.
"We can't be like ostriches sticking our heads in the sand," Schumer said. "We need to take action now to ensure that AI is used for good."
In addition to Musk and Zuckerberg, the meeting also included OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Microsoft founder Bill Gates. Altman said that he was optimistic about the potential of AI but acknowledged that there would be challenges along the way.
Some senators have criticised the closed-door nature of the meeting, saying that it gives too much leeway to tech giants to influence lawmakers. However, Schumer defended the decision, saying that it was necessary to have a frank and open discussion about AI.
The meeting is also the first known encounter between Musk and Zuckerberg since the Tesla CEO proposed a cage fight with his Meta counterpart. Musk was also sharing the room with Gates, with whom he has a testy relationship.
The meeting is a sign that US lawmakers are taking AI seriously, but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to pass legislation to regulate the technology.
