'Running a decathlon' to implement a new executive order on AI governance, the Biden administration increases recruitment of tech talent across the government

On October 30, the US administration called for “an increase in artificial intelligence (AI) technology talent across the government” in the federal workforce to build leadership in this emerging technology.

Tổng thống Mỹ Joe Biden. (Nguồn: AFP/Getty Images)

US President Joe Biden. (Source: AFP/Getty Images)

In an executive order issued on October 30, US President Joe Biden required agencies to establish comprehensive policies on how they will use AI tools internally to advance government business.

President Biden, speaking at the White House, said that “without proper safeguards, AI can lead to discrimination, bias, and other abuses.”

Looking for additional AI talent for government

The White House said the executive order also “directs the rapid hiring of AI experts as part of a government-wide search for AI talent.” The executive order is intended to reduce the risks posed by AI technology, set new standards for safety and security, protect user privacy, and promote innovation and competition in the AI field.

Accordingly, companies developing AI systems that pose a risk to national security and the economy, public health or safety must share safety testing results with the US government before making them publicly available.

In a White House statement, President Biden called on Congress to pass bipartisan data privacy legislation to protect people’s privacy, including risks posed by AI. To promote fairness and civil rights, the administration called for specific guidelines to prevent the use of AI algorithms that exacerbate discrimination.

The order calls for promoting the responsible use of AI and requires a report on the potential impact of AI on the labor market. President Biden directs the development of principles and solutions to minimize the harms and maximize the benefits of AI for workers. In addition, the order encourages the promotion of AI research across the United States and promotes a fair, open, and competitive AI ecosystem.

The above decree is the latest step by the US government to establish AI management frameworks in the context of this field's strong development in recent times.

AI policy 'like running a decathlon'

The executive order calls on multiple agencies to spearhead efforts to deploy AI across the United States.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is developing standards for widespread testing of AI models. The Department of Homeland Security will apply those standards to critical infrastructure sectors.

The Department of Energy will coordinate with relevant agencies to address the threat of AI systems to critical infrastructure, including cybersecurity risks.

“I think the broad scope of this executive order is a recognition of the fact that AI policy is like running a decathlon and there are 10 different events here. Choice is a luxury. We don’t have a choice but to do all of these things,” said a senior administration official.

“Together, these are the most significant actions ever taken by any government to advance safety in AI,” the order states.

The Department of Health and Human Services will establish a program to receive reports of harm or unsafe use of AI in health care.

The Commerce Department will develop guidance on AI-generated content watermarking that the federal government will follow for official communications to the public.

“Federal agencies will use these tools to make it easier for Americans to know that the communications they receive from the government are authentic, and to set an example for the private sector and governments around the world,” the order reads.

The State Department, in coordination with the Commerce Department, will work with other countries to establish international frameworks for the ethical use of AI.

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