# Fei-Fei Li: AI Policy Should Be Grounded in Science AI pioneer emphasizes the need for scientifically-grounded artificial intelligence regulations. - **Source:** [Bloomberg Originals](https://brifing.si/source/1306ca6e-3a02-469a-a77e-d6f157a9bc0e) - **Published:** 2026-08-20 - **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/818fa870-3466-4e33-b56c-ec8dcf4303b2 ## Call from an AI Pioneer Fei-Fei Li, director of Stanford's Human-Centered AI Institute, argues that AI policies must be based on science, not science fiction. In a 2023 paper, she highlighted how AI's potential risks are often exaggerated. According to Li, current technology levels are far from dystopian scenarios. She recommends interdisciplinary collaboration for realistic policymaking. ## The Gap Between Tech and Policy Li points out concerning knowledge gaps among policymakers about AI. During her 2022 testimony before the US Congress, she observed lawmakers' lack of basic machine learning understanding. This leads to either ineffective or overly restrictive regulations. She cites some countries' 'AI bans' as examples of policies misaligned with technological realities. ## Science-Based Regulatory Framework Li proposes a three-stage model: realistic assessment of technological capabilities, multidisciplinary risk analysis, then gradual policies. This approach was presented as an alternative to the EU AI Act. She particularly recommends 'tested small-scale implementations' in healthcare and education sectors before broad regulation. ## Balancing Industry and Society Li highlights diverging views between AI researchers and tech companies. 2023 data shows major tech firms' annual AI investments exceeded $100 billion. She advocates for transparent oversight mechanisms to ensure these investments benefit society. Specifically, she supports independent audits for data privacy and algorithmic fairness. ## Need for Global Coordination Li emphasizes the lack of international coordination in AI policies. She warns that differing approaches by China, the US, and EU could hinder technological progress. She cites UNESCO's 2021 AI ethics guidelines as a positive example. According to Li, AI collaboration is crucial for addressing global challenges like climate change and pandemics. ## Call for Education Reform Li proposes education programs to improve policymakers' AI literacy. Her 'AI for Everyone' initiative at Stanford has reached over 50,000 students. She advocates making ethics and policy courses mandatory in graduate programs. Additionally, she suggests developing short certification programs for non-technical professionals. ## Balancing Ethics and Innovation Li warns that excessive regulation could stifle innovation, noting a 40% increase in AI patent applications from 2020-2023. However, she stresses ethical concerns shouldn't be ignored. She particularly supports usage restrictions for facial recognition technology, citing potential misuse concerns. ## Vision for the Future Li's vision centers on 'human-centered artificial intelligence.' She believes AI should benefit humanity in healthcare, education, and climate sectors. Her goal is for at least 30% of AI research to focus on social good by 2030. Achieving this requires collaboration between governments, academia, and private sector, she argues. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/v7GHRv8MUrE — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._