Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) has teamed up with Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) to introduce a bipartisan bill commissioning a study on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on America's seniors.
What the Bill Does
Sen. Kelly's Aging with Artificial Intelligence Act would direct the National Academies to study how older adults use AI in their daily lives, including communication, access to information and gathering, and other aspects.
The study would examine both the positive aspects, such as caregiver support and aging in place, and also the negative effects, such as overreliance, scams and fraud, and other potential hazards.
What Lawmakers are Saying
"AI tools are increasingly becoming part of older Americans' daily lives, but we still don't fully understand its impact," said Sen. Kelly in a press release. "This bill will help us better assess both the opportunities and risks of AI so we can ensure these technologies support older people's independence, safety, and well-being."
Similarly, Sen. Scott said, "Artificial intelligence is growing at a rapid pace, and its use is already impacting every generation and every square inch of American life. Policymakers need to make sure that we're keeping up."
"We already know how schools and businesses are implementing it; now it's time to examine the benefits and dangers for older Americans," Sen. Scott continued. "Innovation unlocks new possibilities for seniors every single day – offering them more independence and preventing major health scares. At the same time, just like with younger Americans, they also need to be aware of the risks that always come with new technology. I'm proud to stand up for America's seniors with this bill."
Kelly's Previous Call
The Arizona Senator previously called for this study on AI's impact on seniors in November, saying, "In a recent investigation, it was found that major AI chatbots could be manipulated to craft targeted phishing emails aimed at older adults and allow the supercharging of scams that face our aging population."
