Emerging Risks: Why Regulatory Bodies Need a Comprehensive Overview of AI Incidents

In order to prevent potential risks associated with AI systems, it is crucial for regulatory bodies to stay informed and vigilant. This means that there needs to be a centralized and updated overview of incidents involving AI systems in place. The Center for Law & Technology Research (CLTR) conducted a study focused on the situation in the UK, but their findings could also be relevant to other countries.

According to CLTR, the UK government’s Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) does not have a comprehensive incident reporting framework that specifically addresses the unique challenges presented by cutting-edge AI technology. This lack of oversight means that novel harms posed by advanced AI models may not be accurately captured. The organization highlighted the need for regulators to collect incident reports that specifically address the unique challenges presented by AI technology.

By implementing an effective incident reporting framework, authorities can better respond to emerging issues and ensure that the public is protected from any unforeseen harms caused by AI technology. For instance, if there is no incident reporting framework in place, problems like incorrectly revoking access to social security payments could become systemic and lead to significant consequences for individuals and society as a whole.

In summary, having an incident reporting framework in place is essential for ensuring that regulators are able to effectively respond to emerging issues related to AI technology and protect the public from any unforeseen harms caused by these systems.