Biden Bold Move: U.S. President Joe Biden is set to take significant action in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) with a focus on increasing safety and safeguarding the interests of consumers, workers, and minority groups from potential AI-related risks.
The executive order to be unveiled represents the latest move by the administration to establish parameters for AI. This comes as AI rapidly advances in capability and popularity in a regulatory environment that has so far seen limited oversight. Previously, AI companies like OpenAI, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms voluntarily agreed to commit to watermark AI-generated content to enhance technology safety.
However, the new executive order, which will be highlighted by President Biden, goes further than these voluntary commitments. It mandates that developers of AI systems with potential risks to U.S. national security, the economy, public health, or safety must share the results of safety tests with the U.S. government in accordance with the Defense Production Act before releasing them to the public. The order also instructs agencies to establish testing standards and address associated risks in areas such as chemicals, biology, radiology, nuclear, and cybersecurity.
In an effort to ensure clarity in government communications, the Commerce Department is tasked with developing guidance for content authentication and watermarking for items generated by AI. This executive order also addresses privacy, housing discrimination, and job displacement, making it the “strongest set of actions” taken by any government to ensure AI security, according to White House Deputy Chief of Staff Bruce Reed.
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This order reflects a comprehensive strategy to harness the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks on all fronts. Meanwhile, the Group of Seven industrial countries is expected to adopt a code of conduct for companies involved in developing advanced AI systems, further emphasizing the importance of AI regulation.
Addressing concerns that Europe has been more proactive in AI regulation, the White House emphasized that the executive order has the force of law and that legislative action from Congress is also essential for AI governance. President Biden is calling on Congress to pass legislation specifically on data privacy.
U.S. officials have cautioned that AI can exacerbate bias and civil rights violations. Biden’s executive order aims to tackle this issue by providing guidance to landlords, federal benefits programs, and federal contractors to prevent AI algorithms from perpetuating discrimination. The order also calls for the development of best practices to address potential harm to workers, including job displacement, and mandates a report on labor market impacts.
Vice President Kamala Harris will attend a global AI summit in Britain this week, with China also expected to be represented at the meeting. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the host of the summit, has underscored the need for government involvement in addressing AI-related risks, emphasizing the potential for AI to facilitate the creation of chemical or biological weapons, spread fear, and, in the worst-case scenario, escape human control.