US White House proposes AI regulatory principles

The US White House has published a set of draft principles for the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The draft guidance notes that, when considering regulations or policies related to AI, governmental agencies should ‘continue to promote advancements in technology and innovation while protecting American technology, economic and national security, privacy, civil liberties and other values’. Ten key principles are outlined for consideration when formulating regulatory and non-regulatory approaches to the design development deployment and operation of AI applications: public trust in AI; public participation; scientific integrity and information quality; risk assessment and management; balancing benefits and costs; flexibility; fairness and non-discrimination; disclosure and transparency; safety and security; and interagency co-ordination. As explained by Michael Kratsios, US Chief Technology Offices, these principles are meant to achieve three key goals: ensure public engagement, limit regulatory overreach, and promote trustworthy technology. Moreover, a light-touch regulatory approach is also promoted, so that federal agencies avoid preemptive, burdensome or duplicative rules that would hamper AI innovation and growth.