Pennsylvania lawmakers introduce bill to educate residents on AI benefits and risks

Pennsylvania lawmakers introduce bill for public AI education campaign

State Representatives Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Jason Ortitay, R-Washington/Allegheny, introduced H.B. 2314 this week to fund a public awareness campaign about artificial intelligence. The legislation would educate Pennsylvania residents on both the benefits and risks of AI technology.

The campaign would target general audiences and vulnerable populations, including seniors and children. Topics would cover identifying AI-generated content, recognizing AI-based scams, understanding chatbot interactions, protecting personal data, identifying bias and misinformation in AI systems, and safeguarding children from AI misuse.

"AI is a double-edged technology offering opportunities for greater productivity while requiring the knowledge to know when it's misused," Ciresi said. "Pennsylvania residents, from the very young to our seniors, need to be educated about this constantly evolving technology so that they can leverage its capabilities and protect themselves from being misled or manipulated by it."

Ortitay emphasized that most people lack a full understanding of AI as it becomes more common. "While AI has many benefits, it can also be used inappropriately," he said. "It's important for everyone to understand its capabilities and how to not fall victim to false information."

The bill fulfills a recommendation from the Joint State Government Commission's recent report on artificial intelligence.

For AI for PR & Communications professionals, public education campaigns represent a growing area of focus as organizations work to communicate AI capabilities and risks to stakeholders.