Allow the government to audit, on an ongoing basis, AI programs that make critical decisions
Many AI programs that are currently in use were not pre-tested before they were deployed. Additionally, AI programs can change and drift over time. A proposal would require ongoing audits of AI programs that are already in use, to ensure they continue to work as intended and do not cause harm.
Arguments For & Against
Pro Argument
AI programs already in use were never pre-tested and may be causing harm right now. Additionally, AI systems change over time and can develop new problems even if they were safe when first deployed. Ongoing audits protect the public from harms they may not even be aware of.
Con Argument
Ongoing government audits are burdensome and expensive. Companies that are already operating without problems should not be subjected to constant government oversight.
Source document: AI_Quaire_0224-1.pdf
| Type | Organization | Date | Nat | Rep | Dem | Gap | Metric |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New PPC Survey (2026) | Program for Public Consultation | February 2026 | 74% | 73% | 77% | 4% | favor |
| Deliberative Survey | Program for Public Consultation | February 2024 | 77% | 74% | 82% | 8% | favor |
Program for Public Consultation — February 2026
The first set of proposals addresses AI programs that make decisions that can have significant impacts on people (e.g. in health insurance claims, loan applications, hiring, etc.) To ensure these AI programs follow regulations, have data privacy and security protections, and do not have unintended biases, do you favor or oppose: For AI programs already in use, allow the government to audit them.
Program for Public Consultation — February 2024
Here is another proposal that has been put forward as a way for the government to take a preventative approach to regulating AI programs. Give the government the authority to audit AI programs, or to contract independent third parties to audit them, that are already in use and that make decisions which have significant impacts on people's lives. The audits would include tests on whether the program follows regulations and best practices, has data privacy and security protections, and does not have unintended biases. If the audit finds that the AI program has problems in any of those areas, then the company who owns the AI program would have to fix them and redistribute the corrected version.
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