White House announces key 180-day milestones over Biden’s AI executive order agenda

Last October, President Biden signed a landmark Executive Order (EO) to ensure that the US captures the benefits and addresses the potential threats of artificial intelligence (AI). Over the past six months, federal government agencies have completed critical measures to manage AI’s safety and security risks, safeguard Americans’ privacy, advance civil rights, support consumers and workers, and promote innovation and competition to strengthen US leadership in AI.

After completing on time their 90-day, 120-day, and 150-day action plan, US government agencies have finalized all of the 180-day steps on schedule, as instructed by the EO. Federal bodies have addressed a broad range of AI’s safety and security risks, including those related to harmful biological materials, essential infrastructure, and software vulnerabilities.

An ‘AI Safety and Security Board‘ was created recently to advise the Department of Homeland Security and the critical infrastructure organizations on “the safe and secure development and deployment of AI technology in the nation’s critical infrastructures.” The 22 advisory board members include CEOs of major tech firms, vital infrastructure operators, government officials, human rights activists, and academics.
The White House-led, interagency ‘AI and Tech Talent Task Force‘, has made progress on hiring based on President’s Biden call for an ‘AI Talent Surge‘, with a first batch of over 150 AI professionals attracted so far.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) ‘EducateAI initiative’ will help fund educators in creating ‘high-quality, inclusive AI educational opportunities’ and a pilot of the ‘National AI Research Resource‘ is underway. Vice-President Harris recently announced the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) new policy on the government’s use of AI, addressing major areas such as risk management, transparency, responsible innovation, workforce, and governance. The OMB also issued a federal government-wide request for information on the responsible procurement of AI.

Why does it matter?

The Biden-Harris administration is sending a strong signal to promote the US as an attractive destination for AI talent and companies and ensure that it remains a leader in AI governance through responsible AI practices and global cooperation. The administration puts a priority on responsible AI development and deployment, with a clear focus on safety, security, innovation, and talent development.
The White House has stressed the importance of international cooperation on AI issues, notably at the leadership level of the Group of Seven (G7), leading to a global code of conduct for companies developing advanced AI systems. The first global AI safety summit held in the UK in November saw the active participation of Vice President Harris. This led to increased cooperation between AI safety institutes on both sides of the Atlantic. On 21 March, the US initiated a draft of the first-ever UN resolution on AI that was overwhelmingly adopted by all 193 member-states at the UN General Assembly.