The Biden administration is implementing new safeguards to prevent government abuse of artificial intelligence across US agencies. These safeguards include the ability for travelers to refuse facial recognition scans at airport security screenings without facing delays or travel disruptions. The administration’s goal is to prevent AI from being used in discriminatory ways, covering situations such as healthcare, employment, and housing decisions. Agencies must verify that AI tools do not endanger the rights and safety of Americans and publish a list of AI systems used, along with a risk assessment for each system.
To oversee the use of AI technology within federal agencies, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is directing agencies to designate a chief AI officer. Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the importance of ensuring AI is adopted and advanced in a way that protects the public from harm. The Biden administration intends for these policies to serve as a global model in AI governance. The rapid adoption of AI tools by US agencies for various purposes, such as monitoring natural disasters and wildlife, highlights the need for clear guidelines and accountability.
OMB Director Shalanda Young stated that implementing guardrails on AI usage within the US government can help improve public services and address societal challenges like climate change and public health. The government plans to hire at least 100 AI professionals by the summer as part of a national talent surge. The new requirements aim to increase transparency and accountability in AI decision-making. AI presents both risks and opportunities for improving public services and tackling complex social issues.
The Biden administration has taken swift action to address the potential benefits and risks of AI technology, including signing an executive order on AI and encouraging leading AI companies to subject their models to safety testing. The new policies for federal agencies have been in development for years, with OMB issuing guidelines in response to an executive order. The government’s policies around AI procurement and usage are expected to influence the private sector due to its significant purchasing power.
While the US government is taking steps to regulate AI through executive action, there are limitations to what can be accomplished without new legislation from Congress. Policy experts have urged Congress to pass legislation to set basic rules for the AI industry, but progress has been slow. In contrast, the European Union recently approved a groundbreaking AI law, once again positioning itself ahead of the United States in regulating this transformative technology. The Biden administration’s efforts to regulate AI within federal agencies are a key first step in establishing ethical guidelines and promoting responsible AI usage.
