21st Century AI & Algorithmic Regulation

The Algorithmic Commons Act

Recognizing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence while acknowledging the risks associated with concentrated power and lack of transparency, the Algorithmic Commons Act establishes a framework for responsible AI development and deployment, prioritizing public benefit, algorithmic accountability, and the preservation of human creativity.

• Foster Public AI: Encourage the development and accessibility of open-source AI models for public benefit.

• Ensure Algorithmic Transparency: Mandate clear labeling of AI-generated content and open disclosure of training data.

• Protect Intellectual Property: Safeguard the rights of artists and creators in the age of AI-generated content.

• Promote Responsible AI Use: Establish guidelines for the ethical and responsible use of AI technologies.

• Maintain Human Creativity: Protect the value and integrity of human artistic expression.

Public AI Initiative:

• Government Funding: Allocate government funding to support the development and maintenance of open-source AI models.

• Data Sharing Incentives: Provide incentives for organizations to contribute data to public AI training datasets.

• Model Accessibility: Ensure public AI models are readily accessible to researchers, developers, and the public.

Algorithmic Transparency & Labeling:

• Content Tagging: All AI-generated content (text, images, audio, video) must be clearly tagged as “AI-Generated” or “Uses AI.” Like nutrition facts for your digital content

• Training Data Disclosure: AI model developers must publicly disclose the datasets used to train their models, including sources and licensing information.

Social Media Algorithm Regulation:

• Algorithm Disclosure: Social media platforms must publicly disclose the key factors and logic used by their algorithms to rank content and personalize user feeds. This disclosure must be in a format understandable to the average user.

• User Control: Platforms must provide users with granular controls to customize their algorithmic feeds, including options to prioritize content from specific sources, disable personalized recommendations, and opt-out of algorithmic ranking altogether.

• "Chronological" Option: Platforms must offer a chronological feed option, displaying content in the order it was posted, without algorithmic manipulation.

• Impact Assessments: Platforms must conduct and publicly release regular impact assessments of their algorithms, evaluating their effects on user well-being, political polarization, and the spread of misinformation.

• Auditing & Oversight: An independent body will be established to audit social media algorithms and ensure compliance with this Act.

Copyright & Intellectual Property:

• AI-Generated Art Restrictions: The commercial use of AI-generated art for products or services is prohibited unless the model developer has secured the intellectual property rights to all training data.

• Personal Use Exception: AI-generated art for personal, non-commercial use is permitted.

• International Cooperation: Foster international cooperation to harmonize AI regulations and promote responsible AI development globally.

Watermarking & Attribution:

• Personal Use Watermark: AI-generated content for personal use must be watermarked with a brief but clear indication that it is AI-generated.

• Commercial Use Watermark: AI-generated content for commercial use must be watermarked prominently at the beginning of the content, clearly stating that it is AI-generated or uses AI images.

• Other Watermark Specifications: Establish further technical specifications for watermarks to ensure their effectiveness and visibility, like a movies rating board to determine just how much of their digital media is AI content.

Algorithmic Accountability:

• Independent Audits: Mandate independent audits of AI algorithms to assess their fairness, accuracy, and potential for bias.

• Redress Mechanisms: Establish mechanisms for individuals to seek redress for harms caused by AI algorithms.

Funding Mechanism:

• FTC Oversight: Allocate funding to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to oversee the implementation and enforcement of this Act.

• Industry Contributions: Explore options for industry contributions to support the public AI initiative and algorithmic accountability measures.