Brookings asks: One year on, has the White House made good on its AI executive order?

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.