Austin News

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has called for an investigation into potential foreign influence on American artificial intelligence (AI) policy. In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Cruz requested the Department of Justice (DOJ) examine whether certain foreign organizations have failed to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). The focus is particularly on the U.K.-based Centre for the Governance of Artificial Intelligence, which has been active in lobbying and participating in AI-related activities within the United States.

Cruz expressed concerns about European governments' approach to regulating new technologies, suggesting it could harm U.S. innovation and give China an advantage in AI development. He highlighted that these foreign influences might lead to increased regulation of American tech companies.

"The administration is coordinating with the UK and EU on AI initiatives despite having been given no such explicit direction from Congress," Cruz stated in his letter. He noted recent agreements between the U.S., UK, and EU regarding AI policies and criticized the lack of transparency with Congress.

The Centre for the Governance of Artificial Intelligence was specifically mentioned as potentially needing to register under FARA due to its activities aimed at influencing U.S. policy. These include hosting conferences, lobbying policymakers, and contributing to federal agency solicitations.

Senator Cruz concluded by warning that aligning U.S. AI policies with those of foreign nations could impede American progress in AI technology compared to China. "We should be doing everything possible to unleash competition with China, not putting up artificial roadblocks," he wrote.