Former TU president Brad Carson pushes for strong AI guardrails

Brad Carson, former president of the University of Tulsa and founder of Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI), is dedicating his efforts to guiding the ethical development and use of artificial intelligence as the technology becomes more widespread.

Embracing AI With Guardrails

Carson explained that ARI, now in its second year, aims to establish “reasonable guardrails around artificial intelligence.” The organization also looks at emerging technologies like synthetic biology but has a primary focus on AI’s impact on society.

“As a former congressman, I spent a lot of time in Washington talking to my colleagues… about what AI is and how society should think about it,” Carson said.

He emphasized the need for Congress to act appropriately to “ensure we get the best of AI while avoiding the worst.”

RELATED:

1. Brad Carson to step down as President of University of Tulsa
2. University of Tulsa President Brad Carson announces plan to step down at end of May
3. University of Tulsa appoints Rick Dickson as interim president

Potential and Risks of AI

While Carson acknowledged AI’s benefits, including solving complex math theorems, advancing personalized medicine, and automating routine office tasks, he also warned of its dangers.

“We already see that it’s solving math theorems that have never been proven before,” he said, adding that AI is “promoting economic growth” but also raising concerns about “job losses for people” and misuse such as “deep fake pornography.”

One of the biggest worries, Carson said, involves AI models like ChatGPT and Google Gemini potentially being used to create “a better stronger bomb.” Or even “developing a biological weapon, for example, new novel pathogens that could be extremely dangerous,” he said.

The Role of Government

Carson praised the leadership of American companies in AI development but stressed the need for government oversight.

“The federal government needs to take a keen interest in making sure that they’re transparent,” he said. This includes testing AI systems to determine if they can produce weapons or pathogens and ensuring cybersecurity to prevent technology theft by adversaries like China.

Congress is slowly catching up to the rapid pace of AI technology, Carson said, but more lawmakers “understand both the upside and the potential downside,” making the next few years critical.

Energy Challenges

Addressing concerns about the massive energy demands of AI data centers, Carson predicted the U.S. will need to add “probably eighty to a hundred gigawatts to the national grid over the next five years,” a task he called “a huge lift.”

He warned that without significant reforms, including permitting changes and investment in new power infrastructure, the U.S. risks falling behind China, which is rapidly expanding its AI capabilities.

Looking Ahead

Carson views the coming years as pivotal for the future of AI governance.

“This is a critical moment in the history of what some people are saying will be the most powerful technology we have ever developed,” he said. “The next two to three years getting it right legislatively is going to be really important for the future of this nation and maybe the globe.”

SEE ALSO:

University of Tulsa's Brad Carson: Transition from President to AI Innovator

1. Former TU President Brad Carson joined News On 6's Jeremie Poplin for an extended interview about his transition to a new role in Artificial Intelligence, the challenges and opportunities facing collegiate athletics, and the importance of community support for the university.
2. WATCH video in link below or CLICK HERE.
3.