UPDATE — JULY 2025: Virginia’s Executive Order 30 remains a foundational document in the state’s AI policy landscape. Since its signing, state agencies have begun implementing the required standards and approval processes. The AI Task Force has convened initial meetings, and preliminary guidance for law enforcement AI use is in development. The AI Task Force expects to issue the final standards by the end of the year. The state’s pilot projects are underway, testing the effectiveness of these regulations.
ORIGINAL NEWS STORY:
U.S. Governor Issues Executive Order Establishing AI Standards
AI regulation in the U.S. continues to evolve. On January 18, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed Executive Order 30, which sets comprehensive standards for the ethical and secure use of AI. The order seeks to enhance government services while protecting privacy and civil rights.
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, the order sets information technology standards to govern 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.
Conclusion
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.
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