The White House is taking significant strides to regulate and shape the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the United States. With a comprehensive executive order covering privacy, competition, cybersecurity, education, and more, this initiative promises to influence the trajectory of AI technology and its applications.
While the executive order doesn't have the force of law, it grants federal agencies influence through their purchasing power and enforcement tools. The order directs agencies to address various aspects of AI, reshaping the technology landscape.
The executive order assigns a mission to the FTC, under the guidance of Chair Lina Khan, to focus on anti-competitive behavior and consumer protection in the AI industry. This indicates the administration's intent to ensure fair practices and maintain a competitive landscape.
Privacy protections around AI data are set to become more robust. The order emphasizes data privacy and requires agencies to mitigate risks when collecting, using, sharing, and deleting data purchased from brokers.
Recognizing AI's role in developing advanced cyberweapons, the order mandates companies to report to the Commerce Department on how they plan to safeguard their technology against espionage and subversion. This initiative aims to protect advanced AI models from falling into the hands of foreign adversaries.
The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with developing a strategic plan for the responsible use of AI, especially in generative AI applications. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare research, drug safety, and public health.
Addressing the risk of industry consolidation, the order instructs all agencies to police AI business competition, particularly concentrating on preventing the domination of multi-billion dollar firms. The FTC is encouraged to use its rulemaking authority to enforce competition.
To address the tech industry's need for skilled workers, the order streamlines visa applications and appointments for immigrants with AI expertise. It also promotes working on AI and emerging tech without disruption for foreign nationals on educational or exchange programs.
The Department of Education is tasked with creating an "AI toolkit" to assist education leaders in implementing AI recommendations in classrooms. Additionally, it is directed to develop policies for responsible and nondiscriminatory AI use in education.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development are instructed to issue guidance to prevent discrimination by AI in digital advertisements for credit and housing.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is directed to publish guidance on AI's impact on patents, and it explores issues related to copyright protections for AI-generated work.
The order emphasizes labor concerns and worker rights in the age of AI. Agencies are tasked with evaluating labor-market effects and developing guidelines for AI use that respect workers' rights.
The White House's executive order represents a significant effort to govern AI technology comprehensively. While it doesn't carry the force of law, it wields influence through federal agency actions. As AI continues to transform various industries and aspects of society, this executive order aims to ensure responsible, competitive, and ethical AI development and use.
The White House's pursuit of AI regulation and oversight reflects the broader conversation around the responsible integration of advanced technologies in a rapidly evolving world.
