President Biden‘s executive order on artificial intelligence is facing criticism from Big Tech and free-market advocates for potentially stifling innovation and hindering the U.S. in the global AI race.
Mr. Biden’s comprehensive order, announced on Monday, aims to address the risks posed by powerful “thinking machines” by requiring tech companies to share AI test results with the government.
Speaking at the White House, Mr. Biden said, “As artificial intelligence expands the boundary of human possibility and tests the bounds of human understanding, this landmark executive order is a testament to what we stand for — safety, security, trust, and openness.”
The tech industry group NetChoice, which represents technology companies including Amazon, Google, and Meta, argues that Americans do not need more government intervention to ensure AI safety. They believe that better enforcement of existing laws is preferable to Mr. Biden’s new AI policy.
NetChoice stated on social media, “A knee-jerk reaction to wrap AI in red tape could stall America’s innovation engine, block life-saving technologies, and help global competitors like China, potentially harming American dominance in technological entrepreneurialism. Many concerns raised about AI are already addressed by existing laws.”
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Mr. Biden’s team does not view existing law as sufficient. For instance, the order establishes a new safety program within the Health and Human Services Department to identify and address unsafe healthcare practices using AI and advanced computing.
The president has directed the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop new testing requirements for AI makers, which will be enforced by the Department of Homeland Security. The Commerce Department is also tasked with providing guidance for content authentication and watermarking in AI-generated content.
Furthermore, the Energy and Homeland Security departments will review additional threats to American infrastructure from AI systems, including chemical, nuclear, and cyber risks.
Adam Thierer of the free-market think tank R Street Institute expressed concerns that the executive order’s broad calls for expanded government oversight could grant Mr. Biden regulatory control over AI. He cautioned against undermining the policy culture that fostered digital innovation and investment in the U.S.
Mr. Biden’s team, however, is not worried about aligning with Europe. They consulted with the E.U., U.K., and other nations in crafting the new order. The State and Commerce departments have been tasked with leading a U.S. effort to establish international frameworks for governing AI risks and safety.
Jack Clark, co-founder of the AI safety and research company Anthropic, collaborated with the Biden administration on AI and expressed cautious optimism about the executive actions. He believes that the emphasis on testing and evaluating AI systems is a positive step.
While the Biden administration develops implementation plans for the order and engages with international officials, Congress is also considering proposals for new AI legislation. Sen. Mark Warner, chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, praised the breadth of Mr. Biden’s executive action but emphasized the need for additional legislative measures.
Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer is convening a private forum to discuss AI, particularly workforce issues. Mr. Schumer expects the Senate to unite around AI legislation in the coming months and plans to meet with Mr. Biden to discuss the AI agenda.