President Joe Biden has issued an executive order focusing on the safety, security and reliability of artificial intelligence (AI). The directive outlines new standards for AI and prescribes several measures aimed at mitigating the potential risks associated with AI systems.
Under the new order, developers of powerful AI systems will be required to share safety test results and other vital information with the US government. This requirement is consistent with the Defense Production Act and applies to companies developing a foundation model that poses a serious risk to national security, economic security, or public health and safety.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology is charged with developing standards, tools, and tests to ensure that AI systems are safe, secure, and reliable. The decision also establishes the AI Safety and Security Board, which will apply these standards to critical infrastructure sectors.
The role of AI in creating fraudulent and deceptive content is addressed in the order. The Department of Commerce is tasked with developing standards and best practices for detecting AI-generated content and authenticating official content. Watermarking and content authentication guidelines will be developed to identify AI-generated content.
On privacy, the executive order calls on Congress to pass bipartisan data privacy legislation. It also prioritizes federal support for the development and use of privacy-preserving techniques, including those that can train AI systems while maintaining the privacy of the training data.
On the issue of equality and civil rights, the order provides guidance for landlords, federal benefits programs, and federal contractors to prevent the use of AI algorithms from exacerbating discrimination. The executive order also addresses algorithmic discrimination through training, technical assistance, and coordination between the Department of Justice and federal civil rights agencies.
The decision recognizes the potential impact of AI on the labor market and outlines principles and best practices to limit potential harm and maximize benefits for workers. It also mandates a report on the potential impact of AI on the labor market.
To promote innovation and competition, the decision provides for an expansion of subsidies for AI research in crucial areas such as healthcare and climate change. It also encourages the Federal Trade Commission to exercise its authority to provide small developers and entrepreneurs with access to technical assistance and resources.
The executive order also directs the development of a National Security Memorandum, which will guide actions on AI and security, to be developed by the National Security Council and the White House Chief of Staff.
The international implications of AI are also addressed in the order, with a plan to expand bilateral, multilateral and multi-stakeholder engagement on AI. The aim is to establish robust international frameworks to harness the benefits of AI, manage its risks and ensure safety.
The executive order is a comprehensive directive that addresses multiple facets of artificial intelligence, from security to privacy to international cooperation. It sets the stage for further action on AI risk management at the federal level.
