Original Source
US Lawmakers Discuss AI Potential and Risks, Expressing Fears of 'Destruction'
Lawmakers' Concerns Over Potential AI Risks
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill held a roundtable discussion on the potential impacts of artificial intelligence (AI). During the meeting, members of Congress expressed anxieties about various risks posed by the rapidly evolving technology. Rep. James Walkinshaw voiced alarm about federal workers potentially using AI chatbots to handle sensitive government data. Rep. William Timmons inquired whether it should be illegal for AI systems to use someone’s likeness to create pornographic images.
Discussion on AI's Broad Societal Impact
The discussion also covered the broader societal implications of AI. Rep. John McGuire raised concerns that AI systems could prevent U.S. military forces from taking lethal actions based on a model's conclusion for 'moral' behavior. Rep. Yassamin Ansari highlighted worries about the Trump administration's use of AI in the war with Iran, the technology’s intensive energy usage, and its potential effects on the climate. Rep. Dave Min emphasized that if they do not proactively address the challenges AI creates, a 'revolution' could be at hand, urging Congress to tackle the issues aggressively.
*Source: Newsday (2026-04-17)*
