The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has marked the first anniversary of President Joe Biden's Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence. The organization, which advocated for the order, has been involved in its implementation across federal agencies.
Alexandra Reeve Givens, president and CEO of CDT, stated, "The federal government has an obligation to ensure that industry practices and its own conduct don’t harm people’s rights, and that tax dollars are used effectively and responsibly." She added that the administration has made significant progress towards this goal over the past year.
The Executive Order initiated a comprehensive effort to promote responsible AI development and use. Key measures include guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on mitigating risks associated with AI systems and ensuring responsible procurement of AI by government agencies. Additionally, there is guidance from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services on identifying AI risks in public benefits programs.
While welcoming these steps, CDT expressed concerns about transparency and oversight in national security applications of AI. They emphasized that OMB's guidance depends heavily on effective implementation.
Various departments have released guidelines to safeguard against AI-related risks. The Department of Labor issued best practices for protecting workers' rights, while the Department of Housing and Urban Development addressed discrimination in housing. The Department of Education provided a toolkit for AI integration in schools.
Furthermore, the National Institute of Standards and Technology launched the U.S. AI Safety Institute, focusing on long-term safety as well as current risks. The Justice Department is expected to release guidance on AI in criminal justice soon.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration evaluated open model weights' risks and benefits, advocating against new restrictions without more evidence.
CDT also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Access Board and the American Association of People with Disabilities to prioritize disabled individuals' interests in AI governance.
Givens concluded by stating that "this one-year anniversary... isn’t the end," highlighting ongoing efforts to implement effective AI governance across sectors.
