Delaying AI’s Impact On Educators

Can legislation slow a technology innovation? That is the question implied in a post by Jason Gulya with the screenshot of California above. It does seem a way for politicians to look effective while not doing anything substantive and long-lasting

This is an issue brought dramatically to everyone’s attention earlier. Explore background via this blog post.

History

Since I don’t know the history except in vague terms taught in K-12 education, I thought I might ask Perplexity.ai about specific instances when legislation was effective or not.

The result was sobering. What do you predict will happen with AI?

The Result

Here is a list of instances where legislation to slow tech innovation has been introduced for revolutionary tech:

Note:

• Railroad Regulation Act (1887): While this act regulated railroads, it did not slow innovation in the industry. Railroads continued to expand and improve, and the act helped to establish standards for safety and fair business practices.
• Motor Vehicle Act (1906): This act regulated the automobile industry, but it did not slow innovation. The industry continued to grow and evolve, with improvements in safety, design, and technology.
• Air Commerce Act (1926): This act regulated the aviation industry, but it did not slow innovation. The industry continued to grow and evolve, with improvements in safety, design, and technology.
• Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (1986): This act regulated computer crime, but it did not slow innovation in the computer industry. The industry continued to grow and evolve, with improvements in hardware, software, and the internet.
• Communications Decency Act (1996): This act regulated the internet, but it did not slow innovation. The internet continued to grow and evolve, with improvements in speed, accessibility, and online services.
• AI Act (proposed, 2023): The impact of this proposed legislation on AI innovation is yet to be determined.
• Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (2008): This act regulated genetic engineering, but it did not slow innovation in the field. Genetic engineering continued to advance, with improvements in medical research, agriculture, and biotechnology.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations (2016): These regulations slowed innovation in the drone industry, as they imposed strict rules on drone usage and required extensive testing and certification.
• Autonomous Vehicles Act (proposed, 2020): The impact of this proposed legislation on autonomous vehicle innovation is yet to be determined.
• Cryptocurrency Act (proposed, 2020): The impact of this proposed legislation on cryptocurrency innovation is yet to be determined.

In general, legislation can have both positive and negative effects on innovation. While regulations can provide necessary safeguards and standards, they can also create barriers to entry, increase costs, and slow the pace of innovation.

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