Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence: A Step Towards Responsible Innovation

On October 30, 2023, President Biden issued an Executive Order on “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence”. This order is the first executive order on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and is setting new standards for AI safety assessments, equity and civil rights guidance, and research on AI’s impact on the labor market. It will have an important impact on AI research and technology moving forward. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Bruce Reed said in a statement, "The order represents the strongest set of actions any government in the world has ever taken on AI safety, security, and trust."

The Executive Order recognizes the potential for AI to help with prosperity, productivity, innovation, and security. However, it warns that irresponsible use of AI could lead to fraud, discrimination, bias, and disinformation. It could also displace and disempower workers, stifle competition, and pose risks to national security.

The Biden Administration's policy is to develop and use AI according to eight guiding principles. The Biden Administration released a statement saying, "The Executive Order establishes new standards for AI safety and security, protects Americans’ privacy, advances equity and civil rights, stands up for consumers and workers, promotes innovation and competition, advances American leadership around the world, and more."

The Executive Order directs agencies to take action to ensure AI is used safely and responsibly. It requires developers of powerful AI systems need to share test results and other important info with the government. The National Institute of Standards and Technology will set strict standards for extensive testing to ensure safety before public release. The Department of Homeland Security will apply those standards to critical infrastructure areas and set up the AI Safety and Security Board.

Furthermore, the order protects against the risks of using AI to design dangerous biological materials by developing strong new standards for biological synthesis screening. Agencies that fund life science projects will establish these standards as a condition of federal funding.

Several experts in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Tech Policy Commended the executive order. An article from the Atlantic Council noted, "After observing the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) in recent months, US President Joe Biden issued an executive order on Monday intended to modify how humans use these ‘thinking machines.’ The thinking behind the order is to make AI safer, more secure, and more trustworthy."

The Executive Order reflects the principles of the people who build AI, the people who use it, and the data upon which it is built. As AI’s capabilities grow, so do its implications for Americans’ safety and security. This order represents a comprehensive approach to address the potential risks AI systems could present.