Alaska Lags Behind on Artificial Intelligence Governance

Artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing, but Alaska’s policy framework has failed to keep pace. While other states have made significant strides in regulating AI, the Last Frontier remains largely unprepared for its implications. This disparity becomes apparent when examining various aspects of AI governance, from chatbots and algorithmic bias to disinformation and deepfakes.

The use of companion chatbots is a prime example of where Alaska falls short. These digital assistants are increasingly prevalent in everyday life, often interacting with children and vulnerable individuals. However, unlike many other states, Alaska has no laws requiring these chatbots to disclose their non-human nature or take steps to prevent harm. This lack of regulation leaves users exposed to potential risks.

House Bill 47, which passed this June as part of an omnibus crime bill, marked a narrow step forward for AI governance in Alaska. The legislation criminalized the creation and distribution of AI-generated child sexual abuse material and deepfake harassment. While this is a positive development, it represents only a small fraction of the comprehensive framework needed to address AI’s complexities.

Algorithmic bias is another area where Alaska lags behind. When software makes decisions about loan approvals, job interviews, or benefits applications, fairness and transparency are crucial. Yet, unlike many other states, Alaska has no requirements for explainability, audibility, or disclosure in these processes. This absence of regulation leaves individuals vulnerable to discriminatory outcomes.

Disinformation is also a pressing concern in the age of AI-generated deepfakes. With roughly 30 states having passed election-related deepfake disclosure laws ahead of this year’s midterms, Alaska stands out as an exception. The state has yet to establish meaningful safeguards against AI-generated nonconsensual intimate imagery or fabricated videos and images.

A previous attempt to address these issues was House Concurrent Resolution 3, which aimed to create a task force studying AI in Alaska and recommending policies for its use in government, education, and everyday life. Although this effort stalled, the need for comprehensive governance has only grown more pressing.

Rather than abandoning HCR 3’s goals, proponents are advocating for a new approach: establishing research capacity at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This proposal would create a graduate-level program incorporating computer science, public policy, philosophy, and ethics to study AI and data centers in an integrated manner. By examining these two areas together, researchers can better understand their interdependencies and develop more effective policies.

The relationship between AI and data centers is crucial for policymakers. As AI use grows, so does the demand for data centers – which, in turn, fuels further AI development. This feedback loop highlights the need to address both issues simultaneously. Any Alaska framework that takes AI seriously must consider its infrastructure requirements, including electricity draw on grids, water usage, and community effects.

The ultra-rich tech giants are largely driving AI policy without input from state governments or local communities. If Alaskans want a say in this process, they should contact their legislators to revive HCR 3’s task force with real teeth and support the University of Alaska Fairbanks proposal for research capacity. By doing so, Alaska can avoid being the last state at the table when it comes to AI governance.