President Biden Sets New AI Safety Standards, Urges Congress for Data Privacy Legislation
The administration of United States President Joe Biden has taken a significant step toward regulating artificial intelligence (AI) by releasing an executive order that establishes new standards for AI safety and security. This move demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring the ethical use of AI and protecting citizen privacy in the digital age.
Building on previous actions, including AI safety commitments from leading companies in the industry, President Biden’s executive order outlines six primary touch points for the new AI standards. These touch points include sharing safety test results and critical information with the government by developers of the most powerful AI systems. The order also mandates the development of standardized tools and tests by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to ensure AI’s safety, security, and trustworthiness.
Recognizing the potential risks associated with AI, the administration is also taking steps to protect against the misuse of the technology. This includes establishing screening standards to prevent the use of AI to engineer dangerous biological materials. Additionally, there will be a focus on combating AI-enabled fraud and deception by establishing standards and best practices for detecting AI-generated content and verifying official content.
The executive order also addresses the importance of cybersecurity in the context of AI. The administration plans to advance a cybersecurity program that will leverage AI tools to identify and address vulnerabilities in critical software. Furthermore, a national security memorandum will be developed to provide further guidance on AI security measures.
President Biden’s executive order also highlights the urgent need for data privacy legislation. The risks associated with AI are not limited to safety and security concerns but also encompass the privacy of individuals and their personal data. The president is calling on Congress to pass bipartisan data privacy legislation that prioritizes federal support for the development and research of privacy techniques and technologies.
In conclusion, President Biden’s executive order sets new AI safety standards while also emphasizing the importance of data privacy legislation. The order signals a significant shift in the United States’ approach to AI regulation, recognizing the potential benefits and risks of the technology. By promoting ethical AI use, protecting citizen privacy, and urging Congress to take action, the administration is laying the groundwork for a responsible and secure AI ecosystem that benefits all.
