U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday issued an executive order on artificial intelligence, paving the way for a range of safety regulations and programs to guide the development of the cutting-edge technology.
The order covers diverse aspects of AI, with one of its key points being a legal requirement that high-tech companies share safety test results with the federal government, enabling it to look into whether AI systems are safe and trustworthy before they become publicly available.
The White House said the order directs the "most sweeping actions ever taken to protect Americans from the potential risks of AI systems."
In addition to preventing the use of AI tools for threatening activities such as biological, nuclear and cybersecurity attacks, a set of new measures seeks to block discrimination and other human rights abuses while protecting the privacy of individuals, especially children.
Among other federal government agencies directed to take action, the Commerce Department is now tasked with developing guidance for content authentication and watermarking as part of efforts to reduce the risk of AI-generated fraud.
At the same time, the White House said the United States will try to maintain its leading position in the fast-evolving technology, with plans including revamping visa criteria for highly skilled foreign professionals and providing resources for small businesses to commercialize their innovations.
