Biden Signs Executive Order on Regulating AI to Ensure US Global Leadership
In a move to prioritize the United States’ position in the global race for dominance in artificial intelligence (AI), President Joe Biden has signed an executive order aimed at regulating and managing the risks associated with this emerging technology. The order seeks to establish new safety standards for AI systems while also requiring developers to share their safety test results and critical information with the US government.
The executive action, referred to as a landmark order by the White House, leverages the Cold War-era Defence Production Act to grant the federal government certain control over companies when national security is at stake. This demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.
One of the key focuses of the Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence is to address risks related to critical infrastructure and prevent the misuse of AI in the development of dangerous biological materials. Additionally, the order mandates the development of guidance for content authentication and watermarking, particularly for AI-generated content, ensuring transparency and authenticity for communications from the government.
By taking these measures, the White House aims to position the United States as a global leader in AI, effectively competing with the European Union’s efforts to establish a regulatory framework for AI ahead of the US. This order also comes as Vice President Kamala Harris leads a US delegation to a global gathering on AI in the UK, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in tackling the implications of frontier AI.
While the executive order is a significant step towards regulating AI, the White House acknowledges that more action will be required. It pledges to pursue bipartisan legislation in Congress, emphasizing the need for comprehensive data privacy safeguards to protect Americans’ privacy in an AI-driven world.
The US tech industry group BSA welcomes the executive order but also believes that legislative action is necessary to address the complexities surrounding AI. The executive order sets the stage for further discussions and collaboration between the government, industry leaders, and policymakers to navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI technology.
As the US takes this proactive stance on regulating AI, it sends a clear signal that the responsible and ethical development of AI is a top priority. By balancing innovation with safeguards, the United States aims to lead the way in maximizing the potential of AI while minimizing its risks to national security, critical infrastructure, and individual privacy.
