In October 2023, President Biden issued a far-reaching Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence (AI), marking a significant step in the U.S. government’s approach to this rapidly advancing technology. This order outlines a comprehensive strategy to ensure the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of AI.
Executive Orders
Before delving into the specifics of Biden’s AI Executive Order, it’s important to understand what an executive order is. An executive order is a directive issued by the President of the United States that manages operations of the federal government. These orders are legally binding and are issued to federal agencies, not to citizens, though their effects can be far-reaching.
Key Elements of Biden’s AI Executive Order
Safety and Security Measures
- Advanced Cybersecurity Program: Development of AI tools to identify and fix vulnerabilities in critical software.
- National Security Memorandum: Directs actions on AI and security for the U.S. military and intelligence community, countering adversaries’ military use of AI.
Protecting Privacy
- Privacy-Preserving Techniques: Accelerate the development and use of privacy-preserving AI techniques.
- Strengthening Research: Enhance research in privacy-preserving technologies, including cryptographic tools.
- Guidelines for Federal Agencies: Develop guidelines to evaluate the effectiveness of privacy-preserving techniques in AI systems.
Advancing Equity and Civil Rights
- Guidance to Prevent Discrimination: Provide guidance to landlords and federal programs to prevent AI-driven discrimination.
- Best Practices for Criminal Justice: Develop best practices for AI use in sentencing, parole, surveillance, and predictive policing.
- Fairness in AI: Initiate training and technical assistance to investigate AI-related civil rights violations.
Supporting Workers
- Addressing Job Displacement: Evaluate federal support for workers displaced by AI and technological advances.
- Retraining Programs: Combine retraining programs with unemployment insurance and explore legislative measures for expanded retraining opportunities.
Organized Labor Focus
- AI Principles for Labor Standards: Establish AI principles addressing labor standards, job quality, and discrimination risks.
Timeline for Implementation
The Executive Order sets out a series of deadlines for various actions:
- By March 28, 2024: Reports and guidance on AI-specific cybersecurity risks and best practices.
- By April 27, 2024: Regulations for identity verification in cloud services and measures for AI-related threats in critical infrastructure.
- By late 2024: Development of best practices for AI in law enforcement, workplace deployment, and educational tools.
Broader Impact
- Risk Management Practices: Introduces AI-specific risk management practices, particularly focusing on privacy and third-party usage.
- Transparency and Human Oversight: Emphasizes the need for disclosing AI usage and having human oversight in AI decision-making.
Conclusion
President Biden’s Executive Order on AI represents a significant commitment by the U.S. government to address the complex challenges and opportunities posed by AI. It aims to balance innovation with the need for safety, privacy, equity, and worker protection. The executive order’s far-reaching impact on various sectors, including healthcare, financial services, and critical infrastructure, demonstrates a comprehensive approach to AI governance in the digital age.