Trump revokes Biden's AI ‘risk mitigation’ executive order

Biden's 2023 order mandated AI developers to submit safety tests to the US government for systems posing risks to national security, economy, or public safety

In what may be called a significant policy shift, US President Donald Trump has reversed a 2023 executive order put in place by his predecessor Joe Biden, which aimed to address potential AI risks. This move, as per reports, signals a major change in the US government’s AI policy and approach to AI governance.

Biden’s AI Risk Mitigation Order and Trump’s Reversal

Biden's 2023 executive order had required developers of AI systems that could potentially pose risks to national security, the economy, public health, or safety to submit safety tests to the US government before releasing their systems to the public.

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The order was implemented under the Defense Production Act and mandated that federal agencies establish guidelines for AI testing, especially for risks related to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and cybersecurity threats. The move came as a response to growing concerns over the lack of comprehensive legislative frameworks to regulate AI risks in the US.

However, Trump’s recent decision to rescind this order has raised eyebrows, especially as the 2024 Republican Party platform criticizes the initiative for hindering AI innovation. The platform emphasizes supporting AI development rooted in free speech and human flourishing, signalling the Republican commitment to fostering a thriving tech ecosystem while ensuring technological progress is not stifled by excessive regulation.

Rising Global and Domestic Concerns Over AI

The rise of generative AI—systems capable of creating text, images, and videos based on user prompts—has led to both excitement for its transformative potential and concerns about its unintended consequences. While generative AI opens up vast possibilities, it also brings concerns about job displacement and emerging ethical challenges.

At the same time, the US government has introduced tighter export restrictions on AI chips and technologies, which has drawn criticism from leading companies such as NVIDIA. These export controls are seen as part of broader efforts to regulate AI and its associated risks, reflecting rising concerns over global competition and national security.

In a related development, former President Biden recently pushed for continued support for advanced AI data centers, including a new executive order aimed at meeting the energy demands of these facilities. Trump, however, has not rescinded this particular directive, highlighting the contrasting approaches to AI governance in the US.

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