AI ‘Bias and Prejudice’ is the focus of Biden’s upcoming meeting in Silicon Valley.
Biden to Discuss Artificial Intelligence with Activists and Tech Executives
President Joe Biden is set to meet with activists, academics, and tech executives on June 20 to engage in a discussion about artificial intelligence (AI).
This meeting is just one of many recent moves by the Biden administration that highlight their ongoing focus on addressing race and “algorithmic discrimination” in the development of AI technology.
In a statement to the press on June 19, a White House official revealed that the summit in San Francisco would include experts who are known for their outspoken views on the impact of AI on various aspects of society, such as jobs, children, bias, prejudice, and the potential risks if AI is not properly regulated.
The official also emphasized the importance of including individuals who understand the benefits of AI in fields like education and medicine, as long as the technology is developed with safety in mind.
Ai-DA, the world’s first robot artist, paints portraits of the headline acts in the Ai-DA Robot Booth in the Shangri La Field, during day two of Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton in Glastonbury, England on June 23, 2022. (Leon Neal/Getty Images)
“The White House Chief of Staff office is overseeing a process to rapidly develop decisive actions we can take over the coming weeks. White House principals have met to discuss this issue 2-3 times a week in addition to ongoing daily work being done across the White House and agencies,” the official added.
Among the expected participants is Joy Buolamwin, the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, who has been vocal about the potential for AI systems to amplify racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination.
Tristan Harris, a frequent Democratic donor and the founder of the Center for Humane Technology, is also likely to attend. In his 2020 testimony before Congress, Harris warned about the spread of conspiracy theories in the absence of stronger tech regulation.
Alex Jones of InfoWars talks to reporters in Washington in a file image. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Stanford University political science professor Rob Reich, who has been critical of Silicon Valley’s practices, is expected to attend the meeting as well.
Former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich participates in a discussion at the Center for American Progress Action Fund, in Washington on March 5, 2019. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
Oren Etzioni, a tech insider and son of communitarian theorist Amitai Etzioni, will also be present. Etzioni has been vocal about his anti-Trump sentiment and has made significant donations to Biden.
Jim Steyer, the founder of Common Sense Media and brother of billionaire Democrat mega-donor Tom Steyer, is another confirmed participant.
From left, Democratic presidential candidates, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and businessman Tom Steyer, greet on another on stage at the end of the Democratic presidential primary debate at the Gaillard Center in Charleston, S.C. on Feb. 25, 2020. All the candidates but Biden and Sanders have since dropped out. (Patrick Semansky/AP Photo)
Biden’s Focus on AI
This meeting takes place amidst a media-driven hype cycle surrounding AI, sparked by innovative generative AI platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
“AI is a top priority for the President and his team. Generative AI tools have significantly advanced in recent months, and we must address the current challenges rather than focusing on outdated ones,” stated the official.
Since taking office, the Biden-Harris administration has been dedicated to addressing AI-related issues. Government agencies have increased their efforts to protect Americans from the risks associated with AI, such as fraud and discrimination.
Vice President Kamala Harris recently met with top tech CEOs to discuss responsible AI, and President Biden issued an executive order emphasizing the importance of using AI in a way that promotes equity.
Vice President Kamala Harris stands on stage with California Gov. Gavin Newsom at the conclusion of an event at the IBEW-NECA Joint Apprenticeship Training Center in San Leandro, Calif., Sept. 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
A recent report from the Department of Education highlights the importance of addressing biases in AI algorithms that may contribute to unjust discriminatory practices in education.
Congress has also held hearings to examine the impact of AI, including the use of ChatGPT. Suggestions have been made for the creation of an “Algorithmic Safety Bureau” to tackle issues such as bias.
The San Francisco meeting comes at a time when some tech leaders, including Elon Musk, have become less enthusiastic about the current administration. However, Silicon Valley was a significant source of donations for Biden during the 2020 election cycle.
Despite any potential fraying of ties, the Biden administration remains committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.
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