U.S. House and Senate Democrats Urge President to Issue AI Executive Order

As the U.S. House remains without a Speaker, Democrats in both the House and Senate are urging President Joe Biden to issue an executive order on AI. In a letter dispatched to the White House on Wednesday, Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington implore the Biden administration to adopt the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights as the foundational framework for this executive order.

The AI Bill of Rights, released by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in October 2022, serves as a comprehensive framework delineating principles and guidance surrounding AI. Its primary objective is to steer the development and deployment of AI systems in accordance with democratic values while safeguarding the civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy of American citizens.

Five core principles underscore the AI Bill of Rights:

1. Public Trust in AI: AI systems should be developed and deployed in a manner that earns and maintains public trust.

2. Robust and Reliable: AI systems should operate safely and securely.

3. Privacy and Security: AI systems should protect privacy and data while ensuring security.

4. Inclusive: AI systems should avoid creating or reinforcing biases, remaining inclusive and accessible to everyone.

5. Accountable: AI systems require human control and oversight.

The AI Bill of Rights is complemented by a technical companion offering seven concrete steps applicable to diverse organizations, both public and private:

1. Overview: Providing an initial understanding of the companion’s content.

2. Safe and Effective AI Systems: Outlining steps for testing, validation, and risk management to ensure the safety and efficacy of AI systems.

3. Algorithmic Discrimination Protections: Detailing steps concerning data collection, analysis, and monitoring to prevent algorithmic discrimination.

4. Data and Privacy Protection: Encompassing steps such as data minimization, de-identification, secure storage, and transmission.

5. Transparency about Data Collection and Use: Providing clear explanations of how AI systems work and transparent disclosure of data collection and usage.

6. Human Alternatives, Consideration, and Fallback Options: Outlining steps for human oversight, interview processes, and alternative considerations.

7. Appendix: Illustrating the principles and steps outlined throughout the technical companion.

Amidst ongoing discussions in D.C. regarding AI regulation, Democrats express in their letter to President Biden, “Your Administration has the opportunity to establish these protections as government-wide policy by incorporating the AI Bill of Rights into your upcoming executive order on AI, or subsequent executive orders. In particular, these principles should apply when a federal agency develops, deploys, purchases, funds, or regulates the use of automated systems that could meaningfully impact the public’s rights.”

For companies seeking insights into the potential implications of an executive order on AI in the U.S., reach out to BABL AI. One of their Audit Experts can provide valuable support tailored to specific needs.