A Call for AI Accountability and Public Safety

Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life. It is changing how we communicate, learn, work, and make decisions. While AI offers extraordinary benefits, its rapid development also raises important questions about safety, accountability, privacy, and human control.

We are calling upon federal lawmakers and appropriate regulatory authorities to consider stronger, enforceable safeguards for artificial intelligence.

We propose five priorities:

Protection for Children: Establish age-appropriate safeguards, stronger privacy protections, parental controls, and safety standards for AI systems accessible to minors.
Independent Regulatory Oversight: Establish an independent AI oversight authority or regulatory board with appropriate technical expertise, public accountability, and enforcement powers.
Transparency and Responsibility: Require developers and operators of high-risk AI systems to identify responsible parties, document relevant safety measures, and provide meaningful accountability when harm occurs.
Human Control: Require appropriate human supervision, emergency safeguards, and independent evaluations for AI used in critical infrastructure and other high-consequence settings.
Protection Against Misuse: Strengthen measures addressing AI-enabled impersonation, fraud, deceptive synthetic media, and other harmful uses, while protecting legitimate innovation and freedom of expression.
We recognize that effective AI regulation must balance public safety, individual rights, and continued technological progress.

This petition asks policymakers to examine these proposals publicly and establish clear, enforceable standards appropriate to the risks involved.

AI IN DISGUISE — My Experiences, My Evidence, My Warning

Michael Martin Hughes
Author