Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant, futuristic concept—it’s here, embedded in our everyday lives, influencing everything from social media algorithms to healthcare, criminal justice, and even military strategies. With this powerful technology comes immense responsibility, and how we regulate AI today will determine the kind of society we live in tomorrow.

Yet, despite its far-reaching impact, AI legislation is often developed without meaningful public input. This is a glaring oversight. If we are to ensure AI benefits society, the public must have a direct voice in shaping how this technology is governed. But public engagement alone is not enough. The U.S. also needs a dedicated Department of Technology—one that unites the fragmented approach to tech policy and innovation—if it is to maintain its global dominance and leadership in AI. Failing to act now risks more than just inequality or privacy issues; it risks ceding global AI leadership to other countries that are aggressively pursuing this technology.

The Essential Role of Public Engagement

AI legislation touches nearly every facet of our lives, and its consequences are profound. Decisions about AI shape our privacy, our safety, and our economic future. From biased facial recognition systems that disproportionately harm communities of color to automated systems that can decide who gets a job or a loan, AI is transforming society in ways that are often invisible to the average citizen. Yet, most people are left out of the conversation, either because they find AI too complex or because lawmakers have not done enough to include them in the legislative process.

This exclusion is dangerous. If AI policies are crafted without meaningful public engagement, they risk being skewed toward the interests of tech companies and the powerful elite. Without the input of ordinary citizens, the laws governing AI could perpetuate existing inequalities, protect corporate interests over individual rights, and leave the public more vulnerable to the downsides of AI.

Why We Need Elected Technology Leaders

The current system of tech policy governance is broken. Too often, decisions about AI and other advanced technologies are made by unelected officials or influenced heavily by industry insiders who prioritize profit over the public good. We need a new approach: the election of technology leaders at every level of government who are accountable to the people they serve.

Elected technology leaders, with a distinct, independent, and separate government office of a department of technology at the federal, state, county, and local levels, would be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of AI policy, ensuring that it aligns with democratic values and serves the interests of the public. Just as we elect officials to manage education, healthcare, and public safety, we must elect leaders who have the expertise to handle the complex challenges posed by AI and other emerging technologies. These leaders would be directly accountable to voters, making them more likely to prioritize transparency, fairness, and accountability in their decision-making.

This isn’t a far-fetched idea. As technology continues to shape our lives, it is only logical that we elect leaders who are knowledgeable and committed to overseeing its development responsibly. A system of elected technology leaders would bridge the gap between tech experts and the public, ensuring that policy decisions are made in a way that reflects the values and concerns of the wider population.

The Dire Need for a Department of Technology

Public engagement and elected technology leaders are critical, but they are not enough. To safeguard America’s future in AI, we need a unified, national Department of Technology. As advocated for at our Department of Technology, this department would bring together the currently fragmented agencies responsible for tech policy, providing a coherent and strategic approach to AI regulation, research, and development.

Without this department, America risks falling behind on the global stage. Countries like China are investing heavily in AI, with centralized strategies aimed at becoming the world leader in the technology. The U.S., by contrast, is still operating with a patchwork of agencies and inconsistent policies, making it difficult to compete at the global level. If we continue with business as usual, the consequences will be severe: the U.S. could lose its dominance in AI innovation, and with it, the economic and geopolitical advantages that come with being a global tech leader.

The stakes are high. AI is not just another technological innovation—it is the cornerstone of future economic growth, national security, and global influence. Countries that lead in AI will shape the future of industries from defense to healthcare, setting the standards for the rest of the world. If the U.S. does not act now to create a Department of Technology, other nations will bypass us, and we will find ourselves following instead of leading.

The Path Forward: Education, Engagement, and Strategic Leadership

The solution lies in three key steps: public education, active engagement, and strategic leadership through a dedicated Department of Technology.

First, we must educate the public about AI. Governments, schools, and civil society organizations need to launch widespread initiatives that demystify AI, explaining what it is, how it affects people’s lives, and why its regulation matters. Only when citizens understand the issues at stake can they participate meaningfully in the legislative process.

Second, we must engage the public in shaping AI policy. Public hearings, digital platforms, and town halls should be the norm for any discussions related to AI legislation. But beyond engagement, the public should have the power to elect officials who oversee technology policy at the local, state, and federal levels.

Finally, we must establish a Department of Technology. This department would streamline AI regulation, ensuring that the U.S. maintains its leadership in the global AI race. It would centralize efforts, coordinate AI research, and drive innovation while safeguarding public interests, privacy, and security.

Summary

The moment to act is now. The decisions we make about AI will determine whether this technology serves society or deepens existing inequalities. More importantly, the U.S. risks ceding its position as the global leader in technology if it does not move quickly to establish the infrastructure needed to regulate and innovate in AI effectively.

We need genuine public engagement. We need elected technology leaders who are accountable to the people. And we need a Department of Technology to ensure that America remains competitive on the global stage. Failing to take these steps risks leaving the U.S. vulnerable to being outpaced by other countries that are making AI a national priority.

The future of AI will shape the world for generations to come. The question is, will America lead—or be left behind? Let’s make sure it’s the former.