Former head of U.S. AI commission under conflict-of-interest scrutiny

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren has asked U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to examine potential conflicts of interest in AI matters. CNBC reports.

According to the letter, the matter concerns former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. From 2018 to 2021 he served as chair of the NSCAI.

Under Schmidt’s leadership, the commission advised the Pentagon and the White House on AI policy, drafted regulatory acts, and helped steer investments in the sector.

“Federal advisory bodies can provide valuable advice and information […]. However, without strict oversight and clear safeguards they can use their position to obtain government contracts and influence agency policy,” Warren said.

The senator believes Schmidt may have “pushed personal financial gains” in two federal advisory committees. Warren asked Austin to detail the Pentagon’s policy on conflicts of interest for members of the advisory boards. She also urged answers to numerous questions about Schmidt’s work on the commissions.

“These advisory bodies can have a material impact on shaping the priorities of government research and procurement, so it is important that agencies prevent and mitigate conflicts of interest,” the senator wrote.

According to CNBC, during his tenure as chair of the NSCAI Schmidt made more than 50 direct or indirect investments in AI-focused companies. The information has raised concerns for the senator.

She said the NSCAI pushed for substantial increases in government AI spending.

“There is a clear conflict of interest: the commission’s recommendations could direct funds to Mr. Schmidt and his business partners, who have invested more than $2 billion in AI companies,” Warren wrote, citing the report.

The senator argues that Schmidt’s investment activity and the secrecy surrounding information give the impression that the commissions are yet another vehicle for profit from the Pentagon. This raises concerns about the ethics of their members and the usefulness of their recommendations, Warren added.

In February, Schmidt launched a $125 million AI research fund.

In July, the former Google CEO compared artificial intelligence with nuclear weapons.

Subscribe to ForkLog’s Telegram news: ForkLog AI — all the news from the world of AI!