I was pleased to see a productive — and civilized — discussion about the benefits and challenges posed by artificial intelligence (“It’s just complicated math: Columbian’s Economic Forecast event zooms in on AI,” The Columbian, March 5). Another aspect of AI that should be considered when discussing the technology’s role in our local economy is how the technology is already shaping the future of other top industries in the region.
Take health care, for example, which was cited by economist Scott Bailey as one of the top drivers of job growth in Clark County. AI is being deployed across numerous applications to improve health care delivery across the U.S., and it holds exciting potential for reducing health disparities in Washington’s underserved communities.
AI’s health care applications should be at the forefront of policymakers’ minds as they look to develop rules of the road for this emerging technology. With Attorney General Bob Ferguson and members of the Legislature working to establish a new AI Task Force, it is critical that our elected leaders take a measured approach to AI regulation that addresses legitimate issues while not derailing the benefits this technology offers Washington residents.
