Rep. John Curtis from Utah has introduced a bill to tackle spam texts and emails through the Spam Communications Assessment and Mitigation (SCAM) Platform Act. This legislation mandates the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create an artificial intelligence tool designed to help users identify potential scams across emails, texts, website links, and images.
Curtis stated, "Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated," expressing hope that the bill will facilitate quicker recognition of scams for consumers.
The FCC currently offers guides on identifying phone scams and managing unwanted communications, responding to numerous complaints about such calls.
Curtis, a member of the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, anticipates discussions on the bill when Congress reconvenes in December. If not passed this year, it will need to be reintroduced in January.
Since the emergence of ChatGPT, governments have shown heightened interest in leveraging AI while managing its risks. A group of senators, including Utah's Mitt Romney, has proposed a regulatory framework for AI. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is formulating rules to restrict U.S. investments in AI developments in China, and a government commission has suggested a large-scale initiative to promote AI research.
Utah has fostered a regulatory environment encouraging AI companies to collaborate with the government, launching its Office of Artificial Intelligence in July to support safe and effective AI innovation.