Biden Set to Enact Executive Order Focusing on AI Safeguards
President Joe Biden is set to sign an executive order aimed at guiding the development of artificial intelligence (AI). The order will require industry to establish safety and security standards for AI, introduce new consumer protections, and provide federal agencies with a list of tasks to oversee the rapidly advancing technology. The goal of the order is to shape the evolution of AI in a way that maximizes its potential while minimizing its risks. Biden has taken a personal interest in AI due to its potential impact on the economy and national security. The government aims to address the risks associated with AI and avoid repeating past mistakes, such as the late response to the risks posed by social media, which have had negative effects on the mental health of US youth. While AI has the potential to accelerate cancer research, model the impacts of climate change, boost economic output, and improve government services, it also has the potential to distort truth, deepen inequalities, and be exploited by scammers and criminals. The executive order builds on voluntary commitments made by technology companies and is part of a broader strategy that includes congressional legislation and international diplomacy. The order will leverage the Defense Production Act to require leading AI developers to share safety test results and other information with the government. The National Institute of Standards and Technology will establish standards to ensure the safety and security of AI tools before they are released to the public. The order also addresses privacy, civil rights, consumer protections, scientific research, and worker rights. The implementation of the order’s tasks will take place over a period of 90 to 365 days, with safety and security items given priority. Biden’s interest in AI led him to prioritize labeling and watermarking AI-generated content to distinguish it from authentic interactions. The president wants to prevent situations where older Americans are scammed by AI tools impersonating loved ones. The executive order reflects the US perspective on AI as countries around the world establish their own guidelines. The European Union is finalizing comprehensive regulations targeting the riskiest AI applications, while China and the UK have also set rules. The US is home to leading AI developers and tech giants, making it a significant player in AI technology. The Biden administration worked with industry leaders to secure commitments to implement safety mechanisms for new AI models. However, the administration also faced pressure from Democratic allies, including labor and civil rights groups, to ensure that its policies address real-world harms caused by AI. The executive order aims to strike a balance that benefits everyone.
