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Brookings asks: One year on, has the White House made good on its AI executive order?
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The AI Executive Order one year later: The White House’s Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence, issued on October 30, 2023, marked a significant milestone in the U.S. government’s approach to AI regulation and accountability.

  • The order set ambitious goals to position the United States as a leader in safe, ethical, and responsible AI use across multiple sectors.
  • Key focus areas included managing dual-use AI models, establishing testing protocols for high-risk AI systems, implementing accountability measures, safeguarding civil rights, and promoting transparency.

White House highlights progress: The administration has pointed to several achievements in the year since the Executive Order was issued, demonstrating initial steps towards its implementation.

  • The U.S. AI Safety Institute has begun work on pre-deployment testing protocols for advanced AI models, a crucial step in ensuring the safety of cutting-edge AI technologies.
  • The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released Version 1.0 of its AI Risk Management Framework, providing guidelines for organizations to manage AI-related risks.
  • The administration issued the first National Security Memorandum on Artificial Intelligence, addressing AI’s implications for national security.

Expert perspectives on implementation: Various experts have weighed in on the progress made and areas still requiring attention, offering a nuanced view of the Executive Order’s impact.

  • Aaron Klein noted that the Treasury Department exceeded requirements by actively engaging financial regulators on AI-related issues, potentially setting a precedent for other sectors.
  • Cameron F. Kerry highlighted the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) guidance for federal agencies on AI use and risk assessments as a significant step forward.
  • Courtney C. Radsch argued that the Executive Order has done little to curb the power of Big Tech companies in AI development, suggesting a need for stronger regulatory measures.

National security considerations: The Executive Order’s impact on AI in national security contexts has been a subject of debate among experts.

  • Mark MacCarthy viewed the National Security Memorandum as a missed opportunity to address the critical issue of lethal autonomous weapons, highlighting a gap in the current regulatory framework.
  • This perspective underscores the need for more comprehensive policies addressing AI’s potential military applications and their ethical implications.

Potential for agency-level impact: The OMB guidance on AI use for federal agencies could have far-reaching effects if properly implemented.

  • Sorelle Friedler discussed the potential impact of this guidance, suggesting that it could significantly shape how government agencies approach AI adoption and risk management.
  • The successful implementation of these guidelines could serve as a model for responsible AI use in the public sector.

Calls for further action: Despite acknowledging the Executive Order’s importance, experts have identified areas where additional measures are needed.

  • Nicol Turner Lee argued for the necessity of legislative backing from Congress to codify the Executive Order’s frameworks, emphasizing the need for more permanent and comprehensive AI governance.
  • This perspective highlights the limitations of executive actions and the importance of collaborative efforts between the executive and legislative branches in shaping long-term AI policy.

Looking ahead: Challenges and opportunities: As the U.S. continues to navigate the complex landscape of AI regulation, several key challenges and opportunities emerge.

  • The rapid pace of AI development necessitates ongoing adaptation of regulatory frameworks to keep up with technological advancements.
  • Balancing innovation with safety and ethical concerns remains a critical challenge, requiring continued collaboration between government, industry, and academia.
  • The global nature of AI development calls for international cooperation in establishing norms and standards, presenting an opportunity for the U.S. to lead in shaping global AI governance.
One year later, how has the White House AI Executive Order delivered on its promises?

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