Recognizing Artificial Intelligence's wave of potential benefits, even along with a slew of risks, President Biden is set to issue a pioneering executive order laying out federal guidelines for AI systems.
This article explores these innovative regulations, highlighting their potential implications and the challenges they could face. Read on.
The Necessity Of AI Testing And More Behind Biden's Regulations
One of the key provisions of the executive order is the establishment of testing protocols to ensure that AI systems cannot contribute to the development of biological or nuclear weaponry.
All test results will need to be reported to the federal government, marking a significant initiative in managing the potential risks of AI.
The regulations encompass recommendations for watermarking photos, videos, and audio generated by AI systems too. This proactive measure addresses concerns about the possibility of AI-enabled disinformation and the production of "deep fakes".
In a strategic move, the order also mandates companies offering cloud services to disclose their foreign customers to the government, which follows a recent US decision to limit the exports of high-performance chips crucial to AI programs to China.
How Will These Regulations Impact AI?
President Biden's regulatory actions are viewed as the most comprehensive globally and designed to harness the advantages of AI while minimizing its risks.
Despite the rigorous nature of these regulations, they are expected to face both legal and political hurdles. Furthermore, the executive order primarily targets future advanced systems, placing less emphasis on existing chatbots that could spread disinformation.
The regulations primarily affect American companies. However, due to the global nature of software development, diplomatic enforcement challenges are anticipated. As a result, the US aims to inspire other nations to establish similar rules.
What About Consumer Protections?
The regulations aim to establish first-time standards for consumer protection, with federal agencies required to adhere to these norms. It will effectively compel companies to comply with government-set standards.
The order also seeks to prevent discrimination arising from AI algorithms used by landlords, government contractors, and federal benefits programs.
And Will Biden's Late Decisions Stimulate Innovation?
To stimulate innovation and competition, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will be encouraged to monitor consumer protection and antitrust violations more closely. However, it should be noted that the White House lacks the authority to direct the FTC to create regulations.
There is more!
The executive order champions regulations that leverage AI for medical and climate research while establishing safeguards against misuse. It even encourages the streamlining of visa processes for highly skilled immigrants with AI expertise.
About national security and AI: while the executive order will provide some details about regulations for national security, a separate National Security Memorandum will furnish further information. However, some data, particularly preventive measures against foreign exploitation of AI, will remain classified.
