The definition of the public policy of the government of Puerto Rico in the management of the artificial intelligence could be closer, after the House of Representatives approved this Tuesday the Senate Bill (PS) 769a step that, according to experts on the subject, is necessary for companies specialized in technology to establish themselves on the island.
The legislation also creates the Artificial Intelligence Development and Innovation Institutean entity that, according to the proposal, would be responsible for promoting the commercialization of intellectual property and the development of talent for sustainable growth, based on principles of transparency and accountability that can guide the creation of artificial intelligence ecosystems.
From the authorship of the senatorial president, Thomas Rivera SchatzPS 769, also seeks to turn Puerto Rico into a regional and global hub for the development and application of artificial intelligence technologies; and create and capitalize the Puerto Rico Artificial Intelligence Development and Innovation Fund, among other purposes.
The measure was approved with 42 votes in favor, four against and seven absences..
After being endorsed with amendments, it returns to the consideration of the Senate.
Another proposal that passed the House sieve was the PS 101with the purpose of publicly informing when a propaganda, announcement or communication of a political or electoral nature has been generated or altered partially or completely through the use of artificial intelligence systems.
The project amends the Electoral Code of 2020 to classify as punishable conduct the dissemination of false information, images or data generated by artificial intelligence without a clear warning that allows the voter to know its origin. Any person who, through any electronic application or artificial intelligence system, creates or disseminates realistic imitations of a person without their consent, could incur a serious crime, with a prison sentence of up to three years and a fine of $500 for each false data, information or image.
“In the electoral context, the use of technologies capable of generating content indistinguishable from that produced by human beings (…) introduces risks associated with misinformation, manipulation of the electorate and distortion of public debate”reads the measure, authored by the senator Carmelo Rios.
PS 101 was approved unanimously.
Also, it was approved House Bill (PC) 804to allow the issuance of provisional licenses to radiological technologists or radiotherapy technologists, while they complete the revalidation exam or practice times. The measure seeks to address the shortage that the island faces with this type of professionals.
“We emphasize that this license constitutes a temporary mechanism that seeks to facilitate the transition towards licensure, promoting the completion of the revalidation process and the radiological technologists being fully integrated into the profession,” reads the measure, from the representative José “Pichy” Torres Zamora.
If it becomes law, the Medical Technologist Examining Board would be empowered to issue 12-month provisional licenses to any person who has completed the theoretical and practical tests of the exam, as well as other requirements imposed by regulations. The practice must be under the direction of a radiologist or radiation oncologist.
PC 804 was approved without amendments, so it is heading to The Fortress.