Biden to sign executive order requiring companies building powerful AI models to report training, testing processes

US President Joe Biden is set to sign a comprehensive executive order that regulates federal agencies' use of artificial intelligence (AI). This move, according to a draft copy obtained by Bloomberg Government, is his most significant step to date in addressing the risks associated with this emerging technology. The 111-page draft, dated October 23, uses the government's position as a major customer for tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon. com to instigate changes in their AI products. It does this by mandating developers of powerful AI systems to report their training and testing processes to the federal government. The order, expected to be released on Monday, comes amidst a mix of fear and excitement over AI's rapid advancement, which has thrust the technology into the limelight. With the surge of generative AI, large language models capable of producing text, visuals, and audio almost instantly, Americans now have tools at their disposal to write speeches, plan meals, and expedite research, among other applications.

Executives in the tech industry, the national security community, advocacy groups, and others across the public and private sectors have urgently called for government intervention to mitigate AI's risks. These risks pertain to privacy, misinformation, discrimination, and job displacement. Federal leaders have demonstrated a significant appetite to establish rules that protect Americans against the tech's worst dangers, but a comprehensive response has yet to materialize. Biden's directive aims to promote the safe and responsible deployment of AI with a government-wide strategy. Meanwhile, Congressional lawmakers are still working to craft rules that would establish guardrails while promoting the tech's potential to drive innovation.

According to the draft text, the Department of Labour would be directed to examine federal agencies' support to workers displaced by AI and write guidelines for federal contractors on preventing discrimination in AI-driven hiring systems. This is a major concern of civil rights groups and the Biden administration. The White House would also direct the attorney general to coordinate with agencies to ensure the implementation and enforcement of existing laws regarding civil rights violations and discrimination.