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Biden Administration Takes Bold Steps to Regulate Artificial Intelligence
Oct
In a significant move, the Biden administration has invoked emergency federal powers. Their aim is to exert control over powerful new artificial intelligence (AI) systems, addressing the potential risks associated with this disruptive technology.
President signs executive order compelling major AI companies to notify government of potential risks
President Biden signed an executive order on Monday, invoking the Defense Production Act, originally from the Korean War era, to compel major AI companies to notify the government when developing systems that pose a “serious risk to national security, national economic security, or national public health and safety.”
Robust action taken globally to ensure AI system safety and security
This executive order is being described as one of the most robust actions taken globally to ensure the safety and security of AI systems, and it addresses concerns regarding job losses, privacy invasions, and other potential harms.
Biden emphasizes the need for Artificial Intelligence governance
President Biden emphasized the need for governance in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, stating, “AI is all around us. Most of it is making our lives better. One thing is clear: To realize the promise of AI and avoid the risks, we need to govern this technology… There’s no way around it. It must be governed.”
Mixed reactions from tech industry representatives
While the order received support from various quarters, with some reservations, some tech industry representatives have expressed concerns that these new regulations might discourage AI system developers.
NetChoice criticizes order as overreach
NetChoice, a tech industry trade group known for legal action against government officials, criticized the order as an overreach and potentially harmful to technological innovation.
Support from cybersecurity experts, Democratic lawmakers, and technology interest groups
Despite this, the executive order garnered support from cybersecurity experts, Democratic lawmakers, and technology interest groups. Many view it as a significant step forward in protecting against potential AI-related harms without excessively restricting AI development.
Congressional challenges in regulating AI
Republican lawmakers have been largely silent on the matter, while Democrats are hoping that this action will build momentum for more comprehensive AI legislation, which has stalled in Congress due to the rapid advancement and multifaceted capabilities of AI technology, said WSJ Print Edition.
Requirements for AI notification and safety testing
The executive order not only calls for notifying the government about the development of powerful AI systems but also requires companies to share safety testing results. This requirement applies specifically to next-generation AI systems developed by major tech companies, not their current versions.
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Addressing AI safety, security, and deepfake content
Furthermore, the order takes steps to establish new standards for AI safety and security, combat fake AI-generated content, protect the privacy and civil rights of Americans, and support workers whose jobs may be threatened by AI. It also tackles national security concerns, notably in cybersecurity threats. Additionally, it addresses the creation of deepfake content, which can be challenging to distinguish from authentic content.
Artificial Intelligence regulation without comprehensive legislative action
This executive order represents a substantial effort to regulate AI in the absence of comprehensive legislative action. Many support AI regulation, but bipartisan consensus on specific proposals is lacking in a divided Congress. As Europe is moving toward its own AI regulations, the United Kingdom is also actively addressing AI safety concerns.