White House releases key actions on AI after the executive order

The White House has recently unveiled a fact sheet outlining its key initiatives in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), following President Joe Biden’s executive order issued three months ago. Bruce Reed, the White House deputy chief of staff, led the White House AI Council, a body comprising officials from various federal departments and agencies. The council received reports on the implementation of actions mandated by the executive order.

White House releases key initiatives on AI

Describing the updates as “substantial progress,” the White House fact sheet highlights the administration’s commitment to safeguarding Americans from potential risks associated with AI systems. Among the notable actions is the utilization of the Defense Production Act to encourage AI developers to share crucial information, including AI safety test results, with the Department of Commerce. This mandate extends to the reporting of significant computing clusters capable of training powerful AI systems. A noteworthy accomplishment is the introduction of a proposed draft rule, compelling U.S.-based cloud computing companies to disclose whether they are providing computing power that aids in foreign AI training.

Additionally, nine federal agencies conducted risk assessments, covering the use of AI across critical infrastructure sectors. These assessments are deemed foundational for guiding future federal actions in the AI landscape. Jamie Nafziger, chair of the Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Social Media Practice Group at international law firm Dorsey & Whitney, emphasized the significance of this assessment, highlighting its inaugural nature and its commitment to becoming an annual practice. In parallel, the U.S. has undertaken several steps to facilitate the recruitment of international AI talent, aiming to streamline the process.

Beyond safety-focused objectives, the White House fact sheet also underscores recent initiatives and advancements made in the past 90 days to attract and train individuals with expertise in AI. Notable efforts include the partnership between the National Science Foundation and Nvidia for AI advancement, the launch of the AI Talent Surge initiative to bolster the hiring of AI professionals across the federal government, and the establishment of an AI task force at the Department of Health and Human Services. This task force is tasked with developing policies that foster AI innovation in healthcare.

Fostering innovation and talent surge

According to Nafziger, the U.S. has not only met but exceeded many of the requirements outlined for the initial three months following the executive order. Looking ahead, it is anticipated that various aspects of President Biden’s order will continue to roll out throughout the year, with guidance expected from numerous federal agencies up until June 2025. In the evolving landscape of AI governance, the White House’s fact sheet showcases a comprehensive approach aimed at addressing both safety concerns and fostering innovation.

The use of regulatory tools such as the Defense Production Act reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability within the AI development community. The emphasis on reporting requirements for computing power utilized in foreign AI training underscores the administration’s focus on national interests and security in the global AI ecosystem. The risk assessments conducted by federal agencies are pivotal in identifying potential vulnerabilities and establishing a foundation for future regulatory frameworks.

By covering AI applications across critical infrastructure sectors, these assessments provide a holistic understanding of the potential impact and risks associated with AI technologies. The proactive measures to attract and train AI talent highlight the administration’s recognition of the pivotal role skilled professionals play in advancing AI capabilities. Collaborative initiatives, such as the partnership between the National Science Foundation and Nvidia, showcase a commitment to fostering research and development in the field.

The launch of the AI Talent Surge initiative and the establishment of an AI task force in the healthcare sector further demonstrate a concerted effort to ensure that the U.S. remains at the forefront of AI innovation. As the U.S. continues to navigate the complexities of AI governance, the fact sheet indicates a commitment to ongoing evaluation and adaptation. With the assurance of annual assessments and the anticipation of further guidance from federal agencies, the administration signals its dedication to staying abreast of developments in the AI landscape. As the initiatives outlined in the fact sheet unfold