Biden admin promotes AI safety and racial equity.

The Biden Administration Announces New AI Policies and Programs

The Biden administration has recently announced a variety of artificial intelligence (AI) policies and programs, including news on government use of the technology. This comes on the heels of a February executive order to embed “racial equity” in government AI.

OMB Releases Draft Guidance on Government AI Use

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be releasing draft guidance on government AI use. This will empower agencies to responsibly leverage AI to advance their missions and strengthen their ability to equitably serve Americans. It will also serve as a model for state and local governments, businesses, and others to follow in their own procurement and use of AI.

National Science Foundation Creates Seven New National Research Institutes Devoted to AI

The National Science Foundation will be creating seven new national research institutes devoted to AI with $140 million in funding. There are already 18 such hubs in the United States. The new institutes announced today will advance AI R&D to drive breakthroughs in critical areas, including climate, agriculture, energy, public health, education, and cybersecurity.

AI Developers to Take Part in Public Assessment of AI Effectiveness and Safety

The administration has also secured agreements from prominent AI developers to take part in an upcoming public assessment of AI effectiveness and safety. Google, Microsoft, and Nvidia are among the participants mentioned. The evaluation will occur in August during the DEFCON 31 hacking conference in Las Vegas.

“This will allow these models to be evaluated thoroughly by thousands of community partners and AI experts to explore how the models align with the principles and practices outlined in the Biden–Harris Administration’s Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights and AI Risk Management Framework,” according to the announcement.

As is true with all technologies, we know there are some serious risks. Tech companies have a fundamental responsibility to make sure their products are safe and secure and that they protect people’s rights before they’re deployed or made.