The Pennsylvania House passed a bill on Wednesday that would require consumers to be notified when artificial intelligence (AI) has been used to generate content. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Chris Pielli, aims to protect consumers by ensuring transparency in the use of AI technology.
Pielli emphasized the importance of disclosing when content is generated by AI, stating, “If it’s AI, it has to say it’s AI. Buyer beware.” The bill would amend the state’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to mandate clear and conspicuous disclosure when AI is used to create written text, images, audio, or video.
The measure passed with a vote of 146-54, with all Democrats in favor and Republicans split on the issue. The bill also includes a provision that prohibits defendants from arguing that child sexual abuse material created by AI is not illegal under criminal laws.
The bill has faced opposition from the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, citing concerns about potential civil litigation and the broad scope of the consumer notification requirement. However, proponents of the bill, such as TechNet, a trade group representing tech companies like Meta and Google, are working with lawmakers to clarify the definition of AI and address uncertainties surrounding its use.
The use of AI technology in various aspects of society, from job applications to social media content, has raised concerns about transparency and accountability. With hundreds of AI-related bills pending in state legislatures across the country, the regulation of AI technology is becoming an increasingly important issue.