TechNet Launches “AI for America”

AI for America is a $25 million initiative promoting AI’s current and future benefits to the American public

Washington, D.C. – TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, today launched its “AI for America” initiative with its first television and digital ads, a new website, and social media channels. AI for America is a $25 million initiative to educate the public about how AI is being used to improve lives, grow our economy, and keep us safe. AI for America was first announced earlier this year.

AI for America’s first ad, titled “What If,” showcases how AI is helping solve the most significant challenges of our time while stressing the importance of developing the technology responsibly so it benefits all Americans. The six-figure ad campaign will initially include broadcast, cable, and digital advertising throughout the Washington, D.C. market. It will expand to markets across the country in the coming weeks and months.

“We’ve been using AI safely and responsibly for decades to navigate traffic, search the internet, enhance research, and discover new movies and music. Today, AI is being used to predict severe weather more accurately, protect critical infrastructure, defend against cyber threats, and accelerate the development of new medical treatments, including life-saving vaccines and ways to detect earlier signs of cancer. However, recognizing and addressing the genuine risks associated with AI is crucial for its responsible advancement,” said TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore. “So much of the AI conversation is focused on hypotheticals of what could go wrong rather than how AI is being used responsibly today. The AI for America initiative is a more balanced, fact-based conversation. It will help demystify and familiarize the public and policymakers with AI while addressing its risks to ensure we’re making the most of its benefits for all Americans.”

The AI for America website will serve as a resource to showcase how AI is making our lives and economy better, from healthcare, agriculture, and education to transportation, energy, and national security. It includes examples of how AI is solving societal challenges, helping businesses of all sizes across every sector of our economy grow and succeed, democratizing and expanding access to essential services, and improving product innovation and security.

In addition to debuting its ad campaign and website, AI for America launched dedicated social media channels across FacebookXYouTubeLinkedIn, and Instagram.

AI for America’s launch follows TechNet’s release of its federal AI policy framework, which includes recommendations for protecting the personal information of consumers, promoting innovation and U.S. global competitiveness, identifying unintended bias and discrimination, and investing in upskilling and workforce training programs.

AI for America is being funded by TechNet, whose diverse membership includes dynamic American businesses ranging from startups to the most iconic companies on the planet. AI impacts every industry across our economy, not just technology, and TechNet is building a cross-industry coalition that is united in promoting AI’s many benefits. The announcement of AI for America made national news and earlier this year, TechNet hosted an AI for America event on Capitol Hill. The event brought together policymakers, deep subject matter experts, and industry leaders to discuss the economic and societal benefits of AI. You can watch it here.

As part of the initiative, TechNet is working with the Administration, Congress, and federal agencies to ensure any AI policies and regulations benefit all Americans, address risks, and strengthen our global competitiveness.

Additional background on TechNet’s recent actions and leadership on AI policy include:

  • TechNet released a comprehensive federal AI policy framework, which included recommendations for protecting consumers’ personal information, promoting innovation and our global competitiveness, identifying unintended bias and discrimination, and investing in upskilling and workforce training programs.
  • TechNet issued a statement on President Biden’s Executive Order on artificial intelligence.
  • TechNet submitted robust comments to the U.S. Copyright Office on AI and copyright law.
  • John Doerr, TechNet co-founder and Executive Council member and Chairman of Kleiner Perkins, and Steve Case, TechNet Executive Council member and Chairman and CEO of Revolution, recently participated in a Senate AI Insight Forum focused on innovation and global competitiveness.
  • TechNet sent a letter to Senate AI leaders on AI and elections.
  • TechNet hosted a marquee event on Capitol Hill that brought together over 250 interested parties and 25 expert speakers to discuss the positive impact AI is having and will have on all Americans from every walk of life. Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-CA), Google DeepMind Senior Research Director Douglas Eck, Getaround Founder and CEO Sam Zaid, Nasdaq Chief Technology Officer/Chief Information Officer Brad Peterson, and other industry leaders participated. You can watch the event here.
  • TechNet submitted comments to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health in advance of its hearing on AI and healthcare.
  • TechNet submitted comments to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) urging them to enforce their existing authority on “fraudulent misrepresentation” and bar deliberately misleading campaign communications generated with AI.
  • TechNet submitted comments to the Office of Science and Technology Policy as they were developing their National AI Strategy.
  • TechNet submitted comments to the Office of Science and Technology Policy on automated systems in the workplace.
  • TechNet submitted comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on AI system accountability measures and policies.