White House Takes Landmark Action on Artificial Intelligence
In an unprecedented move, the White House unveiled a comprehensive executive order on Monday, targeting the regulation, monitoring, and maximization of artificial intelligence (AI) potential. The measure is hailed as the most substantial effort ever by any government globally to grapple with the rapidly progressing technology that has been a focal point of concern for international leaders.
White House Chief of Staff, Jeff Zients, emphasized the urgency and significance of the action, stating that the pace of technological advancement in AI mandates quicker responses than traditional government or private-sector timelines allow. Recounting President Joe Biden's directive, Zients stressed the necessity to be proactive, act swiftly, and utilize every available resource to stay ahead of the technology.
Key highlights from the executive order include:
Mandatory Disclosure: AI developers are now required to submit safety test results to federal agencies before public deployment.
Defense Production Act: This act will be invoked if an AI system under development presents potential threats related to national security, health, or the economy, compelling companies to inform the government.
Immigration Policies: The order will facilitate the immigration process for AI professionals, ensuring they can study and work in the US without hindrance.
Safety and Employment: There will be established standards to prevent AI from creating hazardous biological materials and guidelines to mitigate AI's risk in displacing human jobs.
Combatting AI Fraud: The Commerce Department has been tasked with creating guidelines to watermark AI-generated content, aiming to curtail AI-related deception.
Government's AI Protocol: The order will clarify the government's stance and procedures on AI, including safety standards and strategies to integrate cost-effective and efficient technologies.
At the unveiling event, President Biden declared the executive order as an unparalleled step towards establishing safety, security, and trust in AI. He emphasized the unavoidable need to govern AI to harness its benefits and mitigate its risks.
Building on earlier commitments from major tech firms, including Google and Microsoft, this executive order further bolsters efforts to ensure external testing of AI systems before public launch and the clear marking of AI-generated content. The White House had previously introduced an "AI Bill of Rights" for consumer protection, though it was nonbinding.
Addressing the urgency, Biden commented on the potential challenges AI could present to democratic values and societal norms after a July meeting with tech magnates. On a personal note, he revealed having seen deep-fake videos of himself, leading to moments of disbelief. Amid these technological advancements, the President remains firmly focused on consumer safety, emphasizing the hazards such as voice cloning scams.
Furthermore, the national security implications of AI remain a paramount concern, with endeavors underway to comprehend the potential threats and ensure AI isn't misused by global adversaries.
This executive order announcement precedes Vice President Kamala Harris's attendance at an AI summit in the UK and a major speech where she's expected to address AI risks, including bias, discrimination, and misinformation spread. The VP will advocate for AI development rooted in public interest, emphasizing the need for consumer rights, privacy, and overall public welfare.
Globally, efforts to regulate AI are gaining momentum. The European Union is on the cusp of approving its AI regulations, and the U.S. collaborates with international allies to establish a universal AI code of conduct. Domestically, Congress is actively pursuing AI-related legislation, with bipartisan data privacy bills and forums led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer addressing AI's potential challenges.
The overarching sentiment, as voiced by White House officials, is clear: The pace of AI's evolution is staggering, and proactive, comprehensive measures are essential to harness its potential and minimize its risks.