The White House has announced that federal agencies have completed all 180-day actions mandated by President Biden’s Executive Order on AI. The Executive Order, issued six months ago, aimed to position the United States as a leader in harnessing the potential of AI while managing associated risks. Agencies across the government have made significant strides in managing AI’s safety and security risks, protecting privacy, advancing equity and civil rights, promoting innovation and competition, and bolstering American leadership globally.
Agencies have successfully addressed a wide range of AI-related safety and security risks within the prescribed 180-day timeframe. Efforts included establishing a framework for nucleic acid synthesis screening to prevent the misuse of AI for engineering dangerous biological materials. Additionally, draft documents were released for public comment on managing generative AI risks and securely developing generative AI systems, among other topics. The National Institute of Standards and Technology led these initiatives, building on its AI Risk Management Framework, which has seen widespread adoption both domestically and internationally.
In the realm of critical infrastructure, federal agencies have developed the first AI safety and security guidelines for critical infrastructure owners and operators. These guidelines, informed by assessments conducted across all sixteen critical infrastructure sectors, aim to ensure the safe and secure development and deployment of AI technology. Moreover, efforts have been made to mitigate risks to workers, consumers, and civil rights. Agencies have developed principles and practices for building and deploying AI safely in ways that empower workers. The Department of Labor has released guidance to assist federal contractors and employers in complying with worker protection laws as they deploy AI in the workplace.
Federal agencies have also focused on harnessing AI for positive impact, particularly in scientific research and clean energy initiatives. The Department of Energy has announced funding opportunities to support the application of AI for science, including energy-efficient AI algorithms and hardware. Pilots, partnerships, and new AI tools have been launched to address energy challenges and advance clean energy infrastructure.
Additionally, efforts have been made to bring AI talent into government. Agencies have hired over 150 AI and AI-enabling professionals since the Executive Order was issued, with plans to hire hundreds more by Summer 2024. Initiatives such as the Presidential Innovation Fellows program and the Department of Homeland Security AI Corps have been established to recruit and deploy AI expertise across various government agencies.
If you have questions or concerns about how to navigate the U.S. and global AI regulatory landscape, don’t hesitate to reach out to BABL AI. Their Audit Experts can offer valuable insight, and ensure you’re informed and compliant.
