The Cloud Security Act amends existing laws to allow cloud service providers to share specific customer data with the U.S. government under certain conditions. This permission applies when the provider believes in good faith that a customer is using advanced cloud computing resources or artificial intelligence models to benefit a designated foreign entity. The bill defines these advanced technologies by specific technical metrics, such as the number of parameters in AI models and the processing power of computer chips, while limiting the shared information to only what is necessary for verification. By creating these exceptions, the legislation enables the Department of Commerce to monitor and report on the use of sensitive technology by foreign actors without requiring a separate warrant for each instance.
This bill directs the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to create a prize competition program designed to accelerate artificial intelligence research and development in the United States. The program will focus on specific challenges such as improving computing hardware, enhancing AI safety, advancing manufacturing, and securing critical infrastructure, with priorities set in consultation with industry and academia. Federal agencies like the Department of Commerce and the National Science Foundation are authorized to run these competitions, which must be conducted entirely within the U.S. and include clear problem statements and success metrics for participants. Additionally, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct studies evaluating the effectiveness of prize competitions compared to traditional grants and contracts. All programs established under this bill are set to expire five years after the law is enacted, with regular reports submitted to Congress on their progress and results.
The SLASH Prices Act requires businesses that sell goods or services to clearly inform customers when prices are set by an algorithm using their personal data. Companies must display this notice prominently next to the price and provide an easy way for consumers to opt out of personalized pricing without facing discrimination or higher rates. The law exempts certain sectors like insurance and credit, as well as dynamic pricing based on real-time market conditions or delivery distance, and gives the Federal Trade Commission authority to enforce these rules.
The Web of Biological Data Act of 2026 directs the Department of Energy to create a centralized online platform called the Web of Biological Data to help researchers access and analyze biological information using advanced tools like artificial intelligence. This system will serve as a single entry point for various biological datasets, particularly those funded by the federal government, while implementing tiered security measures to protect sensitive data and restrict access to certain foreign nations. The bill establishes a phased rollout plan that includes an initial testing phase within two years and a full expansion within five years, supported by an advisory board comprising representatives from industry, academia, and other federal agencies. Funding is authorized to support the development, maintenance, and expansion of the platform, with requirements for regular reports on progress and cybersecurity assessments.
This bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to create standards and guidelines for managing risks associated with artificial intelligence systems used by federal agencies and their contractors, while explicitly excluding national security systems. The legislation requires the development of rules for authenticating, tracking, and labeling synthetic content generated by AI, as well as establishing testing and evaluation procedures for future AI acquisitions. Additionally, the bill mandates that the NIST Director provide training recommendations, performance indicators, and periodic assessments to ensure these standards are effectively implemented across the government.
The Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop better methods for measuring energy and water use in data centers, including those running artificial intelligence models. This research program aims to create standardized definitions and reporting guidelines that account for different power systems, cooling setups, and varying workload demands. The bill also requires the agency to coordinate with industry experts and international partners to establish global standards while sharing data to improve future energy demand forecasts. To support these efforts, the legislation authorizes $10 million in funding for each of the fiscal years 2027 through 2029.
The AI Incident Reporting Act requires artificial intelligence developers to report specific high-risk incidents to the Secretary of Commerce within seven days of discovery. These reportable events include attempts to evade oversight, unauthorized theft of model weights, capabilities that could accelerate cyberattacks or weapon development, and any incidents posing serious risks to national security or public safety. To encourage transparency, the bill provides legal protections that prevent reported information from being used against developers in lawsuits or regulatory enforcement actions, while also mandating that sensitive data be kept confidential. Developers must submit detailed descriptions of these incidents, and the government must notify key congressional leaders immediately if a report indicates an imminent threat. The Act also establishes a framework for the Secretary to define which AI models are covered and to enforce compliance through civil penalties of up to $2 million for violations.
The AI Tax Integrity Act of 2026 directs the Treasury Department to launch a pilot program using artificial intelligence to detect tax fraud, identity theft, and errors in returns prepared by third parties. This initiative is designed to target individual and business taxpayers who may file inaccurate returns, with the program running for a minimum of 18 months and a maximum of two years. Upon completion, the Comptroller General must submit a report detailing the amount of improper refunds recovered, the total government recovery, and the accuracy of the AI tools used during the pilot.
This bill establishes a pilot program under the National Institute of Standards and Technology to test voluntary methods for disclosing when content is generated or manipulated by artificial intelligence. The program requires the NIST Director to work with private companies, civil society, and academia to evaluate how users can be informed about AI interactions and to develop guidelines for such disclosures. Upon completion, the NIST Director must submit a report to Congress detailing the program's findings and offering recommendations for future action. The legislation defines key terms like artificial intelligence and content provenance to ensure clarity in the pilot's scope. Ultimately, the bill aims to explore voluntary industry standards rather than mandating immediate legal requirements for AI labeling.
The AI Security and Innovation Act establishes a new Center for AI Security and Innovation within the National Institute of Standards and Technology to assess risks and improve the security of artificial intelligence systems. This center will evaluate threats such as data leaks and model tampering, develop voluntary safety standards, and conduct research on advanced AI capabilities developed by both U.S. and foreign entities. The bill defines key terms like "artificial intelligence model" and "covered frontier system," and authorizes $20 million annually from 2027 to 2032 to fund the center's activities. While the center director will consult with various federal agencies and AI developers, the legislation explicitly prohibits the center from having regulatory or enforcement powers. The center is authorized to operate for five years before its provisions expire.
