Source URL: https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2025/01/ai-will-write-complex-laws.html
Source: Schneier on Security
Title: AI Will Write Complex Laws
Feedly Summary: Artificial intelligence (AI) is writing law today. This has required no changes in legislative procedure or the rules of legislative bodies—all it takes is one legislator, or legislative assistant, to use generative AI in the process of drafting a bill.
In fact, the use of AI by legislators is only likely to become more prevalent. There are currently projects in the US House, US Senate, and legislatures around the world to trial the use of AI in various ways: searching databases, drafting text, summarizing meetings, performing policy research and analysis, and more. A Brazilian municipality …
AI Summary and Description: Yes
**Summary:** The text discusses the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the legislative process, emphasizing its potential to change lawmaking dynamics and complexity amidst increasing governmental challenges. The emergence of AI-written legislation raises questions about the balance of power within government, the role of lobbyists, and the very nature of legislation itself.
**Detailed Description:**
The text presents a comprehensive analysis of how AI, particularly generative AI, is already influencing lawmaking processes and may significantly alter the interplay between legislative and executive branches of government. The implications for security, compliance, and governance as AI becomes more entrenched in the legislative landscape are profound.
– **Integration of AI in Legislation:**
– Currently being trialed across US legislatures and internationally for tasks such as drafting bills, conducting policy research, and summarizing meetings.
– The first known AI-written law was passed in Brazil in 2023, indicating a shift toward AI-assisted governance.
– **Increased Complexity of Legislation:**
– Growing complexity of laws necessitates the involvement of AI, as traditional legislative drafters struggle to manage intricate and lengthy bills.
– The influence of the lobbying industry on the legislative process is highlighted as a factor contributing to the complexity.
– **Impact of Political Dynamics:**
– Legislative complexity is driven by ideological polarization and divided government, pushing legislators to restrict executive discretion through intricate laws.
– The recent Supreme Court ruling (overturning the Chevron doctrine) implies a need for Congress to provide more detailed legislation, further enhancing the role of AI in lawmaking.
– **Capabilities of AI in Lawmaking:**
– AI can support simultaneous multistep reasoning tasks, allowing legislators to draft comprehensive and detailed legislation more efficiently.
– AI’s ability to maintain consistency and clarity in legislative text is emphasized as crucial for effective lawmaking.
– **Concerns and Implications:**
– Potential risks include the misuse of AI-generated legislation for specific interests, mirroring current lobbying practices.
– The transparency and accountability of AI in lawmaking remain significant concerns, as AI-written laws may not always be disclosed.
– **Future of AI in Governance:**
– The use of AI in legislation is framed as part of the evolution of governance, suggesting a paradigm shift where technology plays an integral role in policy formation.
– As AI tools for legislative analysis and drafting are adopted, the nature of policymaking could undergo fundamental changes, necessitating the adaptation of compliance and regulatory frameworks.
This analysis indicates that AI’s role in lawmaking will likely continue to grow, influencing not only the productivity of legislative bodies but also the power dynamics within government. Compliance and governance professionals must prepare for the evolving landscape as AI-generated legislation becomes more commonplace.