The United States continues to witness the evolution of AI regulation as Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 30 on January 18 aimed at establishing comprehensive standards and guidelines for the ethical and secure use of AI. The order underscores the dual objectives of harnessing the potential of AI to enhance government services while safeguarding citizens’ rights and privacy through established guardrails.
The policy standards outlined in the order necessitate that state agencies secure approval for AI projects, include disclaimers on AI outputs, mitigate third-party risks, and uphold the protection of personal data. Simultaneously, information technology standards are set to govern the technical protocols, requirements, and procurement processes for AI systems, ensuring a robust and standardized approach.
Acknowledging the role of education in navigating AI integration, the order includes guidelines that afford flexibility for schools and colleges to incorporate AI while emphasizing responsible use training. To facilitate ongoing oversight and recommendations, the order establishes an AI Task Force, which will play a crucial role in implementing the prescribed standards and guidelines.
A specific directive within the order mandates the development of AI standards tailored for law enforcement agencies within a nine-month timeframe. Moreover, the Secretary of Public Safety is tasked with examining safeguards to protect children from online predators deploying AI.
Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order aims to strike a balance, enabling the state to harness the benefits of AI while proactively mitigating associated risks. It assigns the state’s IT agency the responsibility of publishing the standards, ensuring transparency for both state agencies and the public. Executive branch agencies are mandated to adhere to the established standards and approval processes, reflecting the commitment to responsible AI adoption.
This isn’t Governor Youngkin’s first foray into establishing regulations for AI. In a press release, he emphasized the significance of the standards and guidelines in ensuring the safe implementation of AI technology across all state agencies. The Governor’s administration is allocating $600,000 in proposed funds to initiate pilots that assess the effectiveness of these new standards, demonstrating a proactive approach to testing and refining AI regulations. The Executive Order positions Virginia as a leader in technology and responsible AI policy formulation, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and ethical technology integration.
The AI regulatory landscape is rapidly changing. For those who have inquiries or concerns, consider reaching out to BABL AI, their team of Audit Experts is ready to offer valuable insight.
