AI Advancements in Government
Biden signing AI Executive Order. Image credit: CNBC
Six months ago, President Biden issued an Executive Order aimed at ensuring the U.S. leads in AI innovation while managing its risks. Since then, federal agencies have made significant progress, completing all 180-day actions on time, as well as earlier 90-day, 120-day, and 150-day tasks, creating significant AI advancements in government. Here’s a look at some key accomplishments:
Managing Safety and Security Risks:
- Agencies established a framework for screening nucleic acid synthesis to prevent AI misuse in engineering dangerous biological materials.
- The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released draft documents for public comment on managing generative AI risks.
- New AI safety guidelines for critical infrastructure were developed, and an AI Safety and Security Board was launched.
- The Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) piloted AI tools to identify vulnerabilities in critical government software.
Supporting Workers, Consumers, and Civil Rights:
- Agencies created guidelines for employers on deploying AI safely, ensuring compliance with worker protection laws.
Resources were released to help job seekers and employers understand AI’s implications on employment discrimination laws. - The Department of Housing and Urban Development issued guidance on AI’s nondiscriminatory use in housing.
- Guidelines were published to manage AI risks in public benefits programs and ensure nondiscrimination in healthcare AI tools.
Supporting Workers, Consumers, and Civil Rights:
- The Department of Energy (DOE) announced funding for AI applications in science and energy-efficient technologies.
- DOE launched pilots to use AI for clean energy infrastructure and grid resilience.
- A report by the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology highlighted AI’s role in addressing societal challenges.
Bringing AI Talent into Government
- Over 150 AI professionals have been hired through the AI Talent Surge, with more hires planned by summer 2024.
- DHS introduced the AI Corps to enhance AI capabilities in homeland security.
- The Office of Personnel Management promoted skills-based hiring to diversify AI talent in federal roles.
For more details, visit AI.gov.
