During a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing titled “Examining the Harm of AI Chatbots,” Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), who serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced plans for new legislation aimed at holding artificial intelligence companies accountable for harm caused by their products.
The proposed legislation, called the AI LEAD Act, would allow for a federal cause of action against AI companies. The bill would enable the Attorney General, state attorneys general, and private individuals to file product liability lawsuits against both developers and deployers of AI systems.
In his remarks, Durbin criticized major technology firms for not doing enough to reduce risks associated with their products, particularly those affecting children and adolescents.
“This hearing is essential. This hearing is proving something to people who would be a little bit surprised. Yes, Senators from different political parties can agree on things and can work together on things, and they can make a difference… We are working on this together,” said Durbin.
He continued, “I learned as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, a few years ago, that this is one of the few issues that unites a very diverse caucus in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The most conservative, the most liberal, and everything in between all voted unanimously to deal with this threat. Why? Because like today, we had real people come and tell us real-life stories about their family tragedies.”
Durbin added, “Even the biggest and the boldest and the toughest in the political scene can be brought to heel if we unite their ourselves and come together.”
Discussing his legislative efforts, Durbin stated: “I will be working on legislation… to make sure AI companies are held accountable for the products they design and deploy. The AI LEAD Act would establish a federal cause of action against AI companies for harms caused by their systems.”
He also said: “I believe whether you’re talking about CSAM or you’re talking about AI exploitation, the quickest way to solve the problem and to do it with a real determination, is to give to the victims a day in court. Believe me, as a former trial lawyer, that gets their attention in a hurry.”
Addressing families present at the hearing who have experienced personal tragedies related to technology misuse or failures in oversight by tech companies, Durbin said: “I thank the families that are here representing real-life tragedies. I’m sorry you have to relive those, but it is for a good cause to avoid other families facing the same thing. Thank you for your courage.”
Recordings of Durbin’s statement are available online via video and audio links.
