Protecting Free Speech in the AI Era

Artificial intelligence has captured the world's attention as a possible beginning of a new world order, with science fiction-like outcomes ranging from utopia to a robot apocalypse. Hyperbolic predictions aside, AI has already impacted censorship and misinformation worldwide.

On June 24 in Washington, D.C.,The Future of Free Speech at Vanderbilt University and the Center for Democracy and Technology convened a symposium on Artificial Intelligence & The First Amendment: Protecting Free Speech in the AI Erato explore how federal and state policymakers grapple with regulating emerging AI technology while respecting The First Amendment. As policymakers worldwide rush to place guardrails on AI, experts from academia and civil society have expressed concernsthat strict usage policies on AI platforms could erode free speech and access to information.

This symposium brought together leading experts, industry representatives, and policymakers to delve into the complex relationship between AI and free speech. During the first session, which included congressional staff from the Senate Commerce Committee and House Judiciary Committee, panelists said that the First Amendment was top of mind for lawmakers as they craft legislation. The variety of panelists led to a rich exchange of ideas and explored the unintended consequences of well-intended regulation.

"In less than two years, generative AI has rapidly evolved from a niche tool to a groundbreaking technology poised to revolutionize our world," said Jacob Mchangama, the founder and executive director of The Future of Free Speech. "As techno-pessimism over new AI technologies focuses on potential harms, we need to continue having conversations like this symposium to understand how we can harness this innovation for good without sacrificing fundamental rights like free speech or user access to information."

Jason Vadnos, a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences and member of the Dialogue Vanderbilt Student Advisory Board, attended the event while interning at the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C. "This event introduced me to new opinions and perspectives about AI and free expression and enlightened me about the negative impacts of regulation-even regulation intended to support free speech," Vadnos said. "It fostered critical reflection and helped inform my own nuanced view of AI, free speech and current legislation."

To further explore the implications of AI and free speech, join the conversation this Oct. 17-18, 2024, when The Future of Free Speech and Vanderbilt University will host the inaugural Global Free Speech Summit. This event will discuss the most pressing challenges threatening freedom of expression worldwide and identify impactful solutions to reinvigorate this fundamental freedom.