On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order concerning artificial intelligence, aiming to overturn previous government policies that he believes hinder American AI innovation. The order emphasizes the importance of developing AI systems that are free from bias and social agendas to maintain global leadership in AI technology. While the order does not specifically identify the policies impeding AI development, it calls for a review of all related actions taken following former President Joe Biden’s comprehensive AI executive order of 2023, which Trump recently rescinded.
The directive stipulates that any Biden-era actions must align with Trump’s new vision for AI, which prioritizes promoting human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security. Trump’s order also tasks White House officials with revising and reissuing directives related to the acquisition and use of AI tools by federal agencies, in response to previous Biden administration policies that aimed to ensure AI tools did not harm the public.
Furthermore, Trump’s order mandates the development of an AI action plan within 180 days, with oversight from a select group of White House technology and science officials led by newly appointed Special Advisor for AI and Crypto, David Sacks. This move marks a shift away from the guardrails established by the Biden administration to address concerns of bias and discrimination in AI technologies.
The Trump administration’s decision to revoke certain Biden-era AI policies has raised questions about the impact on technological innovation and public welfare. Critics, including former White House official Alondra Nelson, view the order as regressive and potentially harmful to initiatives that have been beneficial to the public. They argue that the Biden administration’s AI policies aimed to balance innovation with protection for individuals.
As the government transitions its approach to AI policy, the implications for technological development, public safety, and equitable access to innovation remain uncertain. The review and potential reversal of existing AI initiatives signal a shift in priorities under the Trump administration, setting the stage for a new direction in AI governance and regulation.
On Monday, the recent administration took a significant step by revoking a requirement that demanded tech companies developing advanced AI models to disclose intricate details about their systems to the government before making them accessible to the public. This move aligns with the administration’s focus on promoting “human flourishing,” echoing the rhetoric of a past campaign promise to overturn the AI policy instituted by the previous administration upon regaining power. The decision also resonates with the viewpoints advocated by influential figures like Elon Musk, a prominent advisor to the administration, who has cautioned against the potential risks associated with what he terms as “woke AI” that may exhibit inherent biases.
In response to this development, Americans for Responsible Innovation, a non-profit organization, emphasized that the administration has consistently emphasized the importance of outpacing global competitors in the realm of AI innovation. The organization’s executive director, Eric Gastfriend, highlighted that the recent executive order serves as a temporary measure until a comprehensive strategy is formulated to actualize the administration’s overarching vision for AI advancement.
Notably, agencies have halted the progression of AI policies initiated during the previous administration subsequent to the rescindment of the executive order by the current administration. Gastfriend underscored that the latest directive was an anticipated move, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to chart a distinct course in shaping AI policies and regulations moving forward.
