Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of technological advancements, promising transformative changes across various sectors. As AI continues to evolve, its impact on society, the economy, and individual rights becomes increasingly significant. Yet, the realm of AI, with its complex algorithms and systems, is new territory in the legislative landscape. Beyond laws that govern anti-discrimination and competitive market practices, there’s a noticeable void in regulations specifically tailored to large tech companies and AI operations. Recognizing this, the White House has actively engaged in discussions, negotiations, and potential legislation to ensure AI’s responsible and beneficial deployment. Here’s an overview of the Biden-Harris Administration’s stance on AI:
National Initiatives
- Voluntary Commitments from Leading AI Companies (July 21, 2023): The Biden-Harris Administration secured voluntary commitments from the seven leading AI companies: Amazon, Anthropic, Google, Inflection, Meta, OpenAI, and Microsoft. These commitments emphasize safety, security, and trust in AI development. Key initiatives include:
- Ensuring AI products are safe before public introduction.
- Commitment to internal and external security testing of AI systems.
- Sharing information on managing AI risks with the industry, governments, and academia.
- Publicly reporting AI systems’ capabilities and limitations.
- Prioritizing research on societal risks posed by AI, including bias and discrimination.
- Further Collaborations (September 12, 2023): Building on the previous commitments, the Administration secured agreements from eight more AI companies. These companies are Adobe, Cohere, IBM, Palantir, Salesforce, Scale AI, Stability, and Nvidia. Each of these companies has underscored the principles of safety, security, and trust in AI development.
- Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Director Arati Prabhakar’s Remarks (March 30, 2023): Highlighting the potential and risks of AI, the US has released a Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, introduced an AI Risk Management Framework, and announced the launch of a Trustworthy AI Resource Center. A global task force for developing inclusive AI is also in the works.
Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights
The Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights has been formulated to guide the creation, utilization, and deployment of automated systems in the United States. The overarching goal of this blueprint is to safeguard the rights of the American public in the age of artificial intelligence. The document comprises five core principles and related practices:
- Public Consultation: The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy conducted a year-long process to gather input from people across the country on the topic of algorithmic and data-driven harms and potential remedies. This feedback played a pivotal role in shaping the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights.
- Core Messages: The document emphasizes that while AI has the potential to significantly enhance the lives of Americans, it’s crucial to prevent the potential harms of these technologies. Ensuring the safety and fairness of AI technologies is both necessary and achievable.
- Collaborative Efforts: The discussion converged on the necessity for collaborative efforts involving the government, private sector, and civil society to establish safeguards in line with the White House Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights. This blueprint aims to ensure that AI tools do not perpetuate harm or discrimination.
The Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights underscores the importance of safeguarding the rights of the American public in the age of artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that harnesses the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks.
International Collaborations
- Trilateral Leaders’ Summit at Camp David (August 18, 2023): The US, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have emphasized the importance of safe and responsible development of emerging technologies, including AI.
- International AI Initiatives (July 21, 2023): The Administration is actively working with international partners to establish a framework for AI development and use. They have consulted with numerous countries and are involved in various international AI initiatives. Reference
- Bilateral Technology Dialogue with Bahrain (September 13, 2023): The US and Bahrain have deepened cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, including AI. Reference
Future of AI
The White House recognizes the transformative potential of AI and is actively working to ensure its responsible development and deployment. By collaborating with industry leaders, international partners, and other stakeholders, the Biden-Harris Administration aims to harness the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks, ensuring a future where AI serves the greater good of society. To stay informed on the latest developments in AI legislation, regulations, and more, subscribe to our site and follow our social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook). We’re committed to keeping you updated on this ever-evolving landscape.