The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has joined three other federal agencies to commit to enforcing laws and regulations promoting responsible innovation in automated systems. The agencies, which include the Civil Rights Division of the US Department of Justice, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, expressed concerns about potentially harmful uses of automated systems, including their impact on civil rights, fair competition, consumer protection, and equal opportunity. The agencies resolved to vigorously enforce their collective authorities and monitor the development and use of automated systems, acknowledging both the benefits and potential harms of AI and other automated systems.

FTC Chair Lina M. Khan warned that AI tools can 'turbocharge fraud and automate discrimination,' and that the agency would "vigorously enforce the law to combat unfair or deceptive practices or unfair methods of competition." The agencies emphasised that there is no AI exemption to the laws on the books and they will use the full scope of their legal authorities to protect citizens from these threats.

The joint statement comes as concerns grow about the potential for automated systems to perpetuate bias and discrimination against marginalized groups. The agencies called for continued collaboration and information-sharing among themselves to address these issues. Overall, the agencies' commitment to promoting responsible innovation in automated systems while protecting civil rights, fair competition, consumer protection, and equal opportunity is a crucial step towards ensuring the ethical development and use of AI and other automated systems.