Biden Reportedly Set To Sign Groundbreaking AI Executive Order, Reshaping Future Of Tech Giants And National Security

A groundbreaking executive order is reportedly set to be signed by President Joe Biden, shaping the way federal agencies utilize artificial intelligence (AI). 

The development marks a significant stride by the Biden administration to navigate the risks associated with this fast-evolving technology, according to a Bloomberg report, citing a draft copy.

The executive order is expected to be made public on Monday amidst a climate of mixed emotions regarding AI's swift progression, Bloomberg reported. 

Spanning 111 pages and dated Oct. 23, the draft leverages the U.S. government's influential role as a major client for technology giants, including Microsoft Corp MSFT and Amazon.com Inc AMZN, urging transformations in their AI offerings, the report noted. 

The document mandates developers of potent AI systems to disclose their training and testing methodologies to federal entities.

Generative AI, capable of instantaneously producing text, visuals, and audio, has become a ubiquitous tool for various purposes, from speech writing to expediting research efforts, Bloomberg reported. However, this has raised alarms regarding potential risks, including issues related to privacy, misinformation and job displacement. 

The tech industry, alongside national security entities, advocacy groups and other stakeholders, is urgently seeking governmental intervention to mitigate these risks, the report added.

While federal leaders have expressed a keen interest in regulating AI to shield Americans from its potential perils, a comprehensive response has yet to emerge.

Biden's directive is to ensure AI's safe and responsible use across the government, aligning with ongoing legislative efforts to establish robust frameworks to guide the technology's development and application.

Addressing Labor and Discrimination: According to the draft that Bloomberg cited, the Department of Labor will be tasked with exploring support mechanisms for workers displaced by AI, as well as creating anti-discrimination guidelines for federal contractors' hiring systems. Additionally, the attorney general will be expected to collaborate with agencies to enforce existing civil rights and anti-discrimination laws.

Defense And Misuse Of AI In Developing Biological Weapons: The executive order aims to mitigate a wide array of AI-related risks in sectors, including cybersecurity, defense, health, labor and education, by establishing numerous task forces and offices to strategize AI utilization, Bloomberg added. 

It specifically directs the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security to develop AI tools for detecting and addressing vulnerabilities in crucial U.S. infrastructure and software. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security will be tasked with evaluating the potential misuse of AI in developing biological weapons.

Financial Products: Within a 180-day period, the Secretary of Labor is expected to release guidelines for federal contractors, emphasizing nondiscrimination in hiring processes that involve AI and other tech-driven recruitment systems, Bloomberg added.

Enhancing Privacy and Safety: The executive order also emphasizes privacy, introducing measures to disclose federal agencies' AI utilization, particularly in relation to citizens' data. 

The long-awaited ruling follows more than a dozen leading AI companies, including Microsoft, Meta Platforms, Inc. META and Alphabet Inc GOOG GOOGL, offering voluntary commitments over the summer to deploy AI safely.

Biden is slated to sign a sweeping executive order on AI days before the upcoming AI summit in the UK, featuring Vice President Kamala Harris and industry leaders to discuss AI risks.

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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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