The White House has introduced its first comprehensive strategy for managing the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI), demanding that agencies enhance their reporting on AI usage and address potential risks posed by the technology.
According to a memorandum issued by the White House on March 28, federal agencies have been given a deadline of 60 days to appoint a chief AI officer, disclose their AI usage, and integrate protective measures.
This directive is in line with President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI, issued in October 2023. During a teleconference with journalists, Vice President Kamala Harris stated:
The latest regulation, developed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), aims to provide guidance to the entire federal government on the safe and efficient utilization of artificial intelligence amidst its rapid expansion.
While the government is eager to harness the potential of AI, the Biden administration remains cautious of the evolving risks associated with the technology.
As stated in the memorandum, certain use cases of AI, particularly those within the Department of Defense, will not be required to be disclosed in the inventory, as sharing this information would contradict existing laws and government-wide policies.
By December 1, agencies are required to establish specific safeguards for AI applications that could impact the rights or safety of Americans. For example, travelers should have the option to opt out of facial recognition technology used by the Transportation Security Administration at airports.
Agencies that are unable to implement these safeguards must cease using the AI system, unless agency leadership can justify why doing so would increase risks to safety or rights, or hinder critical agency operations.
The recent directives on AI from the OMB align with the Biden administration’s blueprint for an “AI Bill of Rights” from October 2022, as well as the AI Risk Management Framework from the National Institute of Standards and Technology in January 2023. These initiatives emphasize the importance of developing trustworthy AI systems.
The OMB is also seeking input on enforcing compliance and best practices among government contractors who supply technology. It aims to ensure that agencies’ AI contracts align with its policy later in 2024.
The administration has also announced its intention to recruit 100 AI professionals into the government by the summer, as outlined in the “talent surge” of the October executive order.
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