U.S. President Joe Biden has revealed plans to issue an executive order aimed at guiding the United States in harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) while mitigating the profound risks it poses.
This executive order, expected to be signed in the fall, is part of a broader effort to lead responsible AI innovation. Biden emphasized the importance of collaboration with domestic experts and world leaders, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, to achieve these goals. The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology convened in San Francisco to discuss these initiatives.
While the U.S. is yet to enact comprehensive AI regulations, the administration has been actively engaging tech companies to commit to voluntary policy measures. This includes investments in AI model cybersecurity and the watermarking of AI-developed content. Federal officials have hinted at the executive order for some time, describing it as “incredibly comprehensive” and a bridge towards future regulation.
Arati Prabhakar, director of the White House Office of Science Technology and Policy, emphasized the need for a rapid response to the rollout of generative AI tools, with federal agencies actively stepping up efforts. The White House had previously published a “Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights,” and President Biden signed an executive order in February directing federal agencies to address bias in the design and use of new technologies, including AI.
The tech industry has shown support for federal regulation in the AI domain, with calls for safety measures and the need for human control over AI systems. A consensus emerged during a closed-door meeting between senators and AI executives on the importance of establishing guardrails for sustainable innovation.
Additionally, Microsoft President Brad Smith suggested the need for a “safety brake” to maintain human control over AI, emphasizing the importance of AI safety. Legislation proposed by Subcommittee Chair Richard Blumenthal and Ranking Member Josh Hawley includes a licensing regime for advanced AI models and legal liability for developers, highlighting the seriousness of AI governance.
