H.R. 1694 — AI Accountability Act

This section directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to conduct a study on accountability measures (i.e., mechanisms such as audits, assessments, or certifications designed to assure that artificial intelligence systems are trustworthy), analyzing (1) their incorporation into AI systems used by communications networks (including telecommunications networks and social media platforms) and electromagnetic spectrum sharing applications; (2) their potential to close the digital divide and promote digital inclusion; (3) their role in reducing AI-related risks, including cybersecurity risks; (4) the use and definition of "trustworthy" in AI contexts; and (5) the relationship between "trustworthy" and terms such as "responsible" and "human-centric." In conducting the study, the Assistant Secretary must hold public meetings to consult stakeholders and, not later than 18 months after enactment, submit a report to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation that includes the study results, stakeholder feedback, and recommendations for governmental and nongovernmental actions to support effective accountability measures.

This section directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to hold public meetings with stakeholders (including industry, academia, and consumers) to solicit feedback on information that should be available to individuals, communities, and businesses interacting with, affected by, or studying artificial intelligence systems, as well as effective methods for providing such information. The section further requires the Assistant Secretary to submit a report to the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, not later than 18 months after enactment, describing the meeting feedback and recommending specific information and dissemination methods.