Biden's AI Vision: A New Era of Innovation and Ethics
As with any government mechanism of this sort - particularly when politics is involved - criticism and rebuttal is near.
What is the executive order on AI?
The executive order on AI, issued by President Biden, is intended to appear to be a comprehensive plan to advance the development and governance of artificial intelligence in the United States. The order aims to foster innovation, competitiveness, and public trust in AI, while ensuring that the technology is used in a responsible and equitable manner. The order establishes a set of principles and priorities for federal agencies to follow when designing, acquiring, and using AI systems, as well as a roadmap for implementing them across the government.
What are the main goals and actions of the order?
The executive order on AI has four main goals: to promote trustworthy and ethical AI, to increase access to AI resources and data, to prepare the workforce for the AI era, and to coordinate and collaborate with international and domestic partners.
To achieve these goals, the order outlines several actions, such as:
Creating an AI steering committee to oversee the implementation of the order and coordinate AI initiatives across the federal government.
Developing an AI risk management framework and a set of standards and best practices for assessing and mitigating the potential harms and benefits of AI systems.
Launching an AI research and development dashboard to track and showcase the federal investments and achievements in AI.
Expanding the access and availability of high-quality data, computing resources, and tools for AI research and development.
Enhancing the education and training opportunities for AI-related skills and competencies, especially for underrepresented groups and communities.
Engaging with allies and partners to promote the development and use of AI in a manner that is consistent with the values and interests of the United States and its allies.
Why is the executive order on AI important?
The executive order on AI is important because it signals the commitment and leadership of the United States in the global AI landscape. It recognizes that AI is a strategic and transformative technology that can bring immense benefits to the society and the economy, but also poses significant challenges and risks that require careful and collaborative governance. By establishing a clear and coherent vision and strategy for AI, the order aims to ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of AI innovation and excellence, while upholding the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Where it might fall short
As with any government mechanism of this sort - particularly when politics is involved - criticism and rebuttal is near. Some of the criticisms include:
The order lacks details and specificity on how to implement its goals and objectives. It does not provide clear definitions, metrics, timelines, budgets, or accountability mechanisms for the various agencies and actors involved in the AI ecosystem. It also leaves many important decisions and issues to be resolved by future guidance and regulations, creating uncertainty and ambiguity for the public and private sectors.
The order does not address some of the key ethical, social, and legal challenges and risks posed by AI, such as privacy, security, bias, discrimination, transparency, accountability, and human dignity. It does not establish any binding or enforceable standards or principles for the responsible and trustworthy development and use of AI, nor does it create any oversight or review mechanisms to ensure compliance and redress for harms and violations.
The order does not sufficiently engage with the international community and multilateral institutions to foster global cooperation and coordination on AI. It does not acknowledge the interdependence and interconnection of the United States with other countries and regions in the AI domain, nor does it recognize the need for a common and inclusive framework for AI governance that respects and protects the universal values and rights of all people. It also does not address the potential geopolitical and strategic implications and challenges of AI, such as the competition and conflict with adversaries and rivals, the impact on the global order and stability, and the promotion of peace and security.
Par for the Course?
Another reason to be critical of the executive order (and probably this author’s most critical complaint) is that government regulation usually falls short because it often reflects the interests and agendas of the government itself, rather than the needs and aspirations of the public and the private sector. Government regulation can be influenced by political and ideological motives, bureaucratic inertia, lobbying and corruption, or a lack of expertise and foresight. As a result, government regulation can be ineffective, inefficient, outdated, inconsistent, or counterproductive, creating more problems than solutions for the AI ecosystem. Rather than fostering innovation, collaboration, and trust, government regulation can stifle creativity, competition, and diversity, and undermine public confidence and participation in AI.
Moving Forward
In January of this year, the Biden administration provided a sort of progress report for the executive order. It encapsulated the key actions and initiatives taken by the administration to advance AI, demonstrating a commitment to leading in AI innovation while responsibly managing its risks and opportunities. The following summarizes some of the efforts that were noted:
AI Leadership and Innovation: The Biden-Harris Administration has made significant strides in artificial intelligence (AI) following President Biden’s Executive Order. This landmark directive has catalyzed actions to ensure America’s leadership in AI, emphasizing safety, security, equity, and innovation.
Safeguarding AI’s Future: The Executive Order mandated actions to mitigate AI risks, such as enforcing disclosure requirements for powerful AI systems and assessing AI’s impact on critical infrastructure. These measures aim to protect against misuse and enhance the integration of AI into society’s vital aspects.
Fostering AI Research and Talent: Efforts to maintain the U.S. lead in AI include launching the National AI Research Resource pilot and the AI Talent Surge, which accelerates hiring AI professionals across the federal government. These initiatives provide resources and support to researchers, students, and AI workers.
Educating for an AI-Driven Era: The EducateAI initiative is a response to the Executive Order’s call for workforce development. It funds inclusive AI educational opportunities, ensuring that future AI innovation is accessible to all Americans and that the workforce is prepared for an AI-centric future.
Resources:
And most recently, in a landmark announcement on February 7, 2024, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo introduced the world to the U.S. AI Safety Institute's inaugural leadership team. Elizabeth Kelly steps up as the Director, with Elham Tabassi joining as the Chief Technology Officer. This pivotal move marks the establishment of the institute at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), signifying a significant stride in the U.S. government's commitment to AI safety and trust.
The U.S. AI Safety Institute is set to become the central hub for the government's efforts in ensuring that AI technology advances with the necessary safeguards. It will focus on evaluating the most advanced AI models, a task that becomes increasingly crucial as AI systems grow more complex and integral to our daily lives.
The creation of the institute aligns with President Biden's executive order, which underscores the importance of safe and responsible AI usage. The institute's mission extends beyond evaluation; it aims to spearhead collaborative research and development. By working closely with various stakeholders, the institute will develop the measurement science essential for fostering safe and trustworthy AI systems.
As AI continues to reshape our world, the U.S. AI Safety Institute's role in guiding its evolution cannot be overstated. With a clear directive to promote AI that is both safe and reliable, the institute is poised to set the standards for AI governance, ensuring that the technology's immense potential is harnessed without compromising ethical considerations and public trust.
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