The Biden Administration signed an executive order that seeks to minimize the risk of artificial intelligence (AI) while simultaneously establishing standards to advance innovations.
Under the order, which led to voluntary commitments from 15 leading companies developing AI, the order establishes standards:
- For safety and security
- Protect privacy
- Advance equal and civil rights
- Help innovation and competition
- Advance leadership
“In the end, AI reflects the principles of the people who build it, the people who use it and the data upon which it is built,” said President Joe Biden in a statement. “I firmly believe that the power of our ideals; the foundations of our society; and the creativity, diversity, and decency of our people are the reasons that America thrived in past eras of rapid change. They are the reasons we will succeed again in this moment. We are more than capable of harnessing AI for justice, security, and opportunity for all.”
Specifically, the order calls on developers working on foundation models that pose national security, national economic security or national public health security to share safety test results and critical information with the U.S. government. Additionally, standards, tools and tests will be developed to ensure safe, secure and trustworthy AI systems are produced.
This will include extensive testing and insight from the Department of Homeland Security, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Department of Energy. The AI Safety and Security Board will be established to address threats to critical infrastructure and cybersecurity risks as well as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.
The order also calls on Congress to pass legislation that will protect American privacy so that AI can’t extract, identify and exploit personal data.
Innovation
Biden’s executive order allows for the continuation of innovation through expanded grants for AI research in areas like healthcare and climate change.
The promotion of open and competitive AI ecosystems by giving access to small businesses technical assistance and resources. Additionally, existing authorities will be expanded for immigrants and non-immigrants in critical areas.
