Biden’s AI executive order promotes equity and diversity.
President Biden’s New AI Executive Order: Promoting Diversity and Equity
President Joe Biden’s recent executive order on artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked both praise and condemnation. Liberals groups applaud the order for its commitment to protecting vulnerable communities, while conservatives express concerns about its alignment with left-wing objectives.
Biden’s order, issued on October 30, emphasizes the need for the federal government to gather resources, develop understanding, and engage experts in the responsible use and regulation of AI. While the order primarily focuses on managing the technology, it also highlights the importance of addressing biases inadvertently programmed into AI systems.
“My Administration cannot — and will not — tolerate the use of AI to disadvantage those already too often denied equal opportunity and justice,”
Setting Guidelines for AI Implementation
The executive order calls for the attorney general to convene a meeting with various agency leads to discuss discrimination in AI. This collaborative effort aims to compile a comprehensive report on how AI could impact the legal process, including sentencing recommendations, parole, prisoner processing, and risk assessments. Additionally, the meeting will explore the potential biases in software algorithms and their implications for police surveillance, crime forecasting, and forensic analysis. The resulting report will serve as a basis for formulating best practices to be adopted by other agencies.
The order also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the attorney general and the secretary of homeland security to develop recommendations for law enforcement agencies at the state, local, and tribal levels. These recommendations will ensure the hiring of individuals skilled in AI technology and its appropriate use.
Within 180 days, the secretaries of health and human services, as well as agriculture, are required to issue guidance for their respective agencies regarding the use of AI in public benefits and services.
Combating Discrimination in AI Systems
The executive order mandates that federal agencies utilize their civil rights offices to prevent unlawful discrimination resulting from AI systems’ decisions. This includes providing precise guidelines and facilitating communication between offices on the appropriate use of AI.
The secretary of labor is also tasked with publishing guidance to restrict discrimination based on AI or other technology-based hiring systems. This guidance will address racial bias in housing and consumer financial markets, ensuring compliance with the Fair Housing Act and related federal laws.
Supporters and Critics
Civil rights groups have praised the guidelines presented by President Biden. Cody Venzke, senior policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union, stated that the executive order invokes existing civil rights authority to address discriminatory AI throughout the government. Maya Wiley, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, emphasized the need for congressional legislation to regulate AI and ensure fairness, justice, and prosperity.
However, conservatives, who are increasingly skeptical of equity-focused initiatives, have criticized the order. Christopher Rufo, senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, expressed concerns about embedding critical race theory and diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into AI. Gene Hamilton, general counsel at America First Legal, warned of potential race-based government benefits, tax audits, and criminal prosecutions driven by AI platforms.
Biden’s executive order builds upon a previous order from February, which aimed to develop AI systems that advance equity. Scholars have highlighted the unintentional biases present in AI models, leading to unethical and discriminatory outcomes based on race or gender.
While Biden’s order represents a significant step towards implementing AI safely and protecting user privacy, some critics question whether the necessary resources for enforcement are available.
Source: The Washington Examiner
How will the Federal Interagency Working Group on AI and the Economy promote diversity and inclusion in AI research and development, as well as in the deployment of AI systems
Potential discriminatory impact of AI systems. It also requires agencies to provide individuals who have been affected by discriminatory AI decisions with opportunities for redress.
To address the issue of biased AI systems, the order directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to work with the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to explore ways to improve the transparency and accountability of AI systems used by the federal government. This includes developing a plan to ensure access to AI systems’ information, addressing data quality and integrity, and establishing procedures for third-party audits of these systems.
Moreover, the executive order establishes the Federal Interagency Working Group on AI and the Economy, consisting of representatives from various federal agencies. The purpose of this working group is to analyze AI’s impact on the economy, including its effect on jobs and the workforce. It will also identify opportunities to promote diversity and inclusion in AI research and development, as well as in the deployment of AI systems.
Supporting Research and Innovation in AI
As part of the executive order, President Biden calls for increased federal funding for AI research and development. The National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, and other agencies are directed to allocate resources to support the advancement of AI technologies.
In particular, the order highlights the importance of promoting diversity and equity in AI research and development. It calls for measures to increase the participation of underrepresented groups, including women and minorities, in AI-related fields. This includes providing funding for scholarships, fellowships, and other programs that encourage diverse participation in AI research.
Conclusion
President Biden’s executive order on AI reflects a commitment to addressing the potential risks and challenges associated with AI technologies. By emphasizing the importance of diversity, equity, and the prevention of discrimination in AI systems, the order aims to create a more fair and inclusive future for the use and development of AI. However, it remains to be seen how this order will be implemented and whether it will achieve its intended goals. Nevertheless, it serves as an important step towards harnessing the benefits of AI while minimizing its potential negative impact on society.
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