The executive order highlights the US sentiment towards AI, but it presents a fragmented approach with the possibility of interdepartmental discord.
What does the executive order mean for AI regulation?
The order sets a precedent for directing the AI market away from the path of self-regulation. Large companies such as Amazon, Google, and OpenAI will come under scrutiny from several government departments, ranging from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Defense.
The measure targets many areas for concern surrounding AI, particularly in terms of civil rights, equity, and privacy. Increased emphasis is put on further developing privacy-preserving techniques like cryptography. Establishing a framework to tackle data breaches is critical to protecting the privacy of US citizens. This is particularly vital, given the risks associated with AI and the added incentives for companies to use data for training AI systems.
The executive order also seeks to tackle “algorithmic discrimination.” Racial and gender bias has been a problem with AI for many years. Some suggest the problem lies in inherently biased data, while others say it is down to whoever is formulating and framing the problem. A key point that stands out is the call to “ensure fairness throughout the criminal justice system.” This indicates that we will likely see AI being used in key aspects of court such as sentencing and risk assessments. The order also tackles several issues about the workforce. It calls for better practices to not only minimize the harm of AI in terms of job displacement but also harness the benefits it can bring, highlighting the importance of innovation.