Washington, D.C. – President Joe Biden took a significant step on Monday, signing an expansive executive order focused on the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI). The order aims to strike a balance between the interests of cutting-edge technology companies, national security, and consumer rights, establishing initial guidelines that could be reinforced through legislative action and global agreements.
In his remarks preceding the order’s signing, President Biden underscored the rapid evolution of AI, highlighting its immense potential and potential hazards. He emphasized the pervasive nature of AI and the critical need for governance in this technology.
“AI is all around us,” President Biden stated, “To realize the promise of AI and avoid the risk, we need to govern this technology.”
The executive order represents a preliminary measure designed to ensure the responsible and beneficial use of AI, preventing it from being exploited for deceptive or destructive purposes. The order acknowledges the necessity for possible future enhancements through congressional measures. Its primary objective is to guide the development of AI, allowing companies to reap the benefits while safeguarding public safety.
The order invokes the Defense Production Act to mandate leading AI developers to collaborate with the government by sharing safety test results and other relevant information. Simultaneously, the National Institute of Standards and Technology will establish standards to guarantee the safety and security of AI tools before their public release.
Furthermore, the Commerce Department is assigned the task of issuing guidelines to label and watermark AI-generated content. These measures will assist in distinguishing between genuine interactions and those generated by AI software. The comprehensive order addresses concerns encompassing privacy, civil rights, consumer protections, scientific research, and worker rights.
The signing of this executive order is a fundamental step towards achieving a balance between technological innovation and the need for responsible regulation in the ever-evolving field of artificial intelligence.
