The emergence of generative AI has sparked profound concerns among policymakers regarding the governance of these potent new technologies. How do we authenticate content in a world where virtually any media can be synthetically created? With machines now passing the Turing Test, verifying human identity poses a new challenge. Moreover, as AI agents enter operational status, questions arise: will these systems transact on our behalf or face exclusion from financial networks?
These are fundamentally technical challenges necessitating both technical and policy-driven solutions. Fortunately, potential remedies may lie within cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. Embracing these innovations, Congress and federal policymakers can steer AI towards beneficial applications.
The specter of AI-generated deepfakes looms large for elected officials. Beyond policy implications, they risk substantial consequences from convincing deepfakes. For instance, in January, a political consultant used an AI-generated video of President Biden to dissuade voters from attending the New Hampshire primary.
Deepfakes pose multifaceted threats. Recently, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre suggested certain videos of President Biden were deepfakes, though authentic (albeit deceptively edited). This underscores their potential to impersonate public figures and discredit legitimate media.
Efforts like the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) are developing standards, yet these have proven flawed in practice. Blockchain’s immutable ledgers offer a promising alternative. If integrated by camera manufacturers, these could ensure every photograph’s authenticity, preventing tampering pixel by pixel. Innovations like the Numbers Protocol exemplify this approach.
Large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT can emulate writing styles, posing identity validation challenges. Even predating LLM proliferation, online identity verification was crucial. Addressing this, policymakers seek stringent measures like age verification on social platforms.
Cryptocurrencies, particularly stablecoins, hold potential solutions. Backed by dollar assets, stablecoins offer familiarity and reliability across financial transactions, bridging the gap for AI agents barred from traditional banking systems.
Looking ahead, AI’s evolution promises further complexities for internet governance. As AI agents gain agency, facilitating complex actions and transactions, they could serve as trusted advisors. However, integration into the financial mainstream remains uncertain.
Addressing these issues echoes longstanding internet governance challenges, from identity theft to navigating cryptocurrencies in a legacy financial system. By advancing both policy frameworks and technical innovations, we can prepare a digital ecosystem for the next industrial revolution driven by AI.
Dean W. Ball, a research fellow at the Mercatus Center, offers insights on these topics. His expertise underscores the need for robust frameworks to navigate these transformative technologies responsibly.
Please note: This article serves informational purposes and does not constitute legal or investment advice. Views expressed herein are the author’s own and may not reflect those of Cointelegraph.