The US government has chosen to implement a new regulatory mandate, requiring developers of major AI systems to disclose safety test results to the government. This decision, set for evaluation by the White House AI Council, is a response to an executive order signed by President Joe Biden three months ago, aimed at managing the rapid expansion of AI.
Although software companies have committed to specific safety test categories, the establishment of a common standard is still pending. A crucial goal outlined in the executive order, operating under the Defense Production Act within a 90-day timeframe, mandates AI companies to share essential information, including safety test results, with the US Department of Commerce.
In addition to regulatory measures, the Biden administration is actively exploring legislative initiatives and collaborating with other nations, such as the EU, to establish comprehensive rules for managing AI technology.
“We know that AI has transformative effects and potential,” Ben Buchanan, the White House special advisor on AI reportedly said. “We’re not trying to upend the apple cart there, but we are trying to make sure the regulators are prepared to manage this technology.”
To advance in this direction, the Department of Commerce has crafted a draft rule targeting US cloud companies providing servers to foreign AI developers. Concurrently, nine federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Transportation, Treasury, and Health and Human Services, have conducted risk assessments related to the use of AI in critical national infrastructure, such as the electric grid.
In alignment with these efforts, the government has ramped up the hiring of AI experts and data scientists within federal agencies, enhancing its capacity to regulate and oversee the evolving AI landscape.
Moreover, as part of regulatory endeavors aimed at ensuring that oversight adapts to AI advancements, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) already issued compulsory orders to major cloud service providers and generative AI startups, requiring them to provide information regarding recent investments and partnerships.