The White House AI Council: Breakdown of Game-Changing Decisions and Impacts on the Future
Published on: March 10, 2024
The Biden administration's inaugural meeting of the White House AI Council was convened to strategize the implementation of President Biden’s executive order on artificial intelligence (AI). An official reported that the meeting included a classified briefing from the president’s national security team, focusing on the international aspects and capabilities of AI.
The council, comprising Cabinet members like Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, explored various AI-related topics. These included attracting talent and expertise to the government, safety testing for new AI models, and measures to mitigate risks such as fraud, discrimination, and privacy concerns.
A significant point of discussion was the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute, recently announced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This institute is a crucial component of the government's effort to ensure AI safety and responsible use.
Other attendees included Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough, Deputy Chief of Staff Bruce Reed, Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Arati Prabhakar.
The White House AI Council is set to meet regularly, as mandated by President Biden's comprehensive executive order on AI. This order also encompasses new safety standards and reporting requirements to the federal government regarding the testing and outcomes of AI models that could pose risks to national security, economic security, or public health.