President Biden has issued Executive Order establishing guidelines for the development of AI, abandoning the “laissez faire” approach

The US leadership has preferred so far the “laissez faire” approach concetning AI, leaving the market to introduce its own self-regulatory principles. This approach gives too much power to the courts and the US administration.

This order, on the other hand, mandates that developers of AI systems must share safety test results and essential information with the U.S. government. Companies working on foundational models posing potential risks to national security, economic security, or public health and safety must inform the government and share red-team safety test outcomes, ensuring the safety and security of AI systems before public release.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology will establish rigorous standards for extensive red-team testing to ensure the safety of AI systems. The Department of Homeland Security will apply these standards to critical infrastructure sectors and institute the AI Safety and Security Board. Moreover, the Departments of Energy and Homeland Security will address AI-related threats to critical infrastructure, including those of a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and cybersecurity nature. These measures represent the most significant government actions to advance AI safety.

The Executive Order introduces robust standards for biological synthesis screening to counter the risks associated with using AI in the engineering of dangerous biological materials. Life science projects funded by federal agencies will be required to adhere to these standards, creating strong incentives for appropriate screening and risk management.

To protect against AI-enabled fraud and deception, the order establishes standards and best practices for detecting AI-generated content and authenticating official content. The Department of Commerce will develop guidelines for content authentication and watermarking, promoting transparency and authenticity in government communications.

An advanced cybersecurity program will be established to harness AI capabilities in identifying and rectifying vulnerabilities in critical software. This program builds on the existing AI Cyber Challenge initiated by the Biden-Harris Administration.

A National Security Memorandum will be developed, directed by the National Security Council and the White House Chief of Staff, to ensure the safe, ethical, and effective use of AI by the United States military and intelligence community. It will also address countermeasures against adversaries’ military use of AI.

The Executive Order emphasizes the protection of Americans’ privacy. It calls on Congress to enact bipartisan data privacy legislation and supports the development and use of privacy-preserving techniques, including those involving AI. Federal support will be prioritized for these techniques, with an emphasis on training AI systems while preserving the privacy of training data.

The order aims to combat discrimination, bias, and abuses resulting from AI applications in justice, healthcare, and housing. It provides guidance to prevent AI algorithms from exacerbating discrimination, and it emphasizes best practices for investigating and prosecuting civil rights violations related to AI.

The Executive Order promotes the responsible use of AI in healthcare and education and supports consumers by developing affordable and safe AI-enabled healthcare solutions. It also provides resources to aid educators in deploying AI in education.

To address the impact of AI on jobs and workplaces, the order develops principles and best practices to mitigate harms and enhance benefits for workers. A report on AI’s labor-market impact will be produced, with options for strengthening support for workers facing labor disruptions.

Innovation and Competition: The order emphasizes the leadership of the United States in AI innovation and competition. It catalyzes AI research, especially in vital areas like healthcare and climate change, and promotes a fair and competitive AI ecosystem. Recognizing the global nature of AI challenges, the order calls for expanded international collaborations, the development of AI standards with international partners, and the promotion of safe and responsible AI development globally.

The order seeks responsible government deployment of AI, guiding agencies in the procurement and deployment of AI. It also accelerates the hiring of AI professionals within the government.

In summary, President Biden’s Executive Order lays the groundwork for a comprehensive legal framework for the responsible development of AI, addressing safety, privacy, equity, consumer protection, workers’ rights, innovation, and international cooperation.