IBM's AI Ethics Chief Calls for Balanced Regulation in US and Europe
Amsterdam, Wednesday, 28 August 2024.
Christina Montgomery, IBM’s Chief Privacy & Trust Officer, highlights the US lag in AI regulation compared to Europe. She emphasizes the need for risk-based approaches, ethical AI development, and increased female representation in tech, as IBM prepares for compliance with the EU AI Act.
The Importance of Ethical AI
In her recent remarks at the Euronews Digital Summer event, Christina Montgomery stressed the significance of ethical AI, advocating for policies that regulate the use of technology rather than the technology itself. Montgomery, who serves as IBM’s Vice President and Chief Privacy & Trust Officer, underscored that ethical principles must guide AI development to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness. IBM’s commitment to these principles aligns with the OECD guidelines, focusing on transparency, explainability, privacy preservation, and robustness in AI models.
Regulatory Landscape: Europe vs. US
Montgomery pointed out that Europe is ahead of the US in implementing AI regulations, with the EU AI Act already in force. This legislation requires companies, including IBM, to comply with stringent rules designed to mitigate AI risks. In contrast, the US has made strides only recently, with Colorado pioneering comprehensive legislation akin to the EU AI Act. The US federal government has increased efforts to regulate high-risk AI applications, such as deep fakes, but still lacks a unified federal privacy law. As of now, 20 states have enacted their own privacy laws, creating a fragmented regulatory environment.
IBM’s Proactive Measures
IBM has taken proactive steps to align with global AI regulations. The company is preparing for compliance with the EU AI Act and actively participates in policy discussions across various jurisdictions. IBM’s AI ethics board, co-chaired by women, exemplifies its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Additionally, IBM plans to educate 30 million people in AI and new technologies by 2030, with a goal of reaching 2 million by 2026. These initiatives aim to foster a workforce ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.
Technological Innovations: The Spyre Accelerator
At the recent Hot Chips 2024 conference in Palo Alto, California, IBM unveiled its latest innovation, the Spyre Accelerator chip. Developed by IBM Research in collaboration with the IBM Z team, the Spyre Accelerator is designed to enhance enterprise AI workloads. This chip contains 25.6 billion transistors and utilizes 14 miles of wire, produced using 5 nm node process technology. It allows IBM Z systems to perform AI inferencing at scale, supporting applications such as fraud detection and generative AI. The Spyre Accelerator represents a significant advancement in AI, enabling businesses to deploy AI software with enhanced security and reliability.
The Road Ahead
As AI continues to evolve, the need for balanced and comprehensive regulation becomes increasingly critical. Christina Montgomery’s advocacy for ethical AI and risk-based regulation highlights the necessity for both the US and Europe to collaborate and harmonize their regulatory approaches. IBM’s ongoing efforts in AI education, ethical development, and technological innovation position it as a leader in navigating the complex landscape of AI regulation. The future of AI depends on the ability of policymakers, companies, and individuals to work together to create an environment where innovation thrives while ensuring ethical and responsible use of technology.