US President Biden has issued an executive order (EO) on artificial intelligence (AI) that aims to both protect and promote the technology. The EO establishes new standards for AI safety and security, protects Americans’ privacy, advances equity and civil rights, promotes innovation and competition, and ensures responsible and effective government use of AI. It also includes measures to address cybersecurity concerns related to AI.
One of the key provisions of the EO is the requirement that any AI models posing a serious risk to national security, national economic security, or public health and safety must be reported to the federal government. This includes the results of red-team safety tests to ensure that AI systems are safe, secure, and trustworthy before they are made public. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will develop rigorous standards for extensive red-team testing, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will establish an AI Safety and Security Board to ensure compliance.
The EO also addresses the need to protect Americans’ privacy in the age of AI. It promises to develop technologies, including cryptographic tools, that can protect individuals’ privacy and enhance data security. Additionally, the EO aims to ensure responsible and effective government use of AI by providing guidance for agencies’ use of the technology and improving AI deployment.
The EO is complex and covers a wide range of issues related to AI. It seeks to ensure competition, preserve and create jobs, avoid civil rights risks, and support AI research and development. The fact sheet released by the White House emphasizes the international consultation that went into shaping the EO, with partners including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and the UK, among others. Notably absent from the list are China and Russia.
Some industry experts see the EO as a proactive step in addressing the potential risks and benefits of AI. Chris Wysopal, CTO and co-founder of Veracode, believes that the government’s action is necessary to regulate the technology and ensure its responsible development and deployment. Wysopal also sees the EO as an opportunity for collaboration between the tech industry and the government to create a secure environment for innovation and safety.
However, while the EO addresses cybersecurity concerns related to AI, some experts warn that the technology is already being used for malicious purposes. John Gunn, CEO of Token, points out that generative AI technology is being used extensively by hackers and enemy states to launch phishing attacks that are difficult to detect. Gunn emphasizes the need for companies developing AI solutions to disclose the potential risks and challenges associated with the technology.
Overall, the EO on AI issued by President Biden aims to strike a balance between promoting the benefits of the technology and addressing the potential risks. It covers various areas, including cybersecurity, privacy protection, responsible government use of AI, and international collaboration. As AI continues to advance, it is important to establish regulations and standards that ensure its safe and ethical development and use.