In a major push to prioritize and regulate artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, President Biden's landmark Executive Order has set the stage for significant advancements in AI safety, security, privacy protection, equity, and innovation. Today, the White House AI Council, led by Deputy Chief of Staff Bruce Reed, will convene top officials from various federal departments and agencies to discuss the progress made in implementing the Order's directives.

According to reports, all the 90-day actions assigned by the Executive Order have been completed, while additional vital directives are being pursued. These efforts signify substantial strides in both safeguarding Americans from potential risks associated with AI systems and fostering innovation in the field.

Under the Executive Order, critical steps were taken to enhance AI safety and security. Companies developing powerful AI systems are now required to disclose key information, including AI safety test results and details regarding large computing clusters used for training these systems. The Department of Commerce has been empowered to enforce these reporting requirements, ensuring transparency and accountability.

To counter foreign actors seeking to develop AI for harmful purposes, a draft rule has been proposed, which compels U.S. cloud companies providing computing power for foreign AI training to report their activities. The aim is to prevent the misuse of AI models financed by these companies for malicious activities.

Another important achievement has been the completion of risk assessments across all critical infrastructure sectors. Nine federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Treasury, and the Department of Health and Human Services, have submitted their risk assessments to the Department of Homeland Security. These assessments will guide future actions to integrate AI safely into vital aspects of society, such as the electric grid.

Furthermore, the Biden administration has prioritized AI innovation, aiming to bolster the United States' leadership in the field. The National AI Research Resource, a pilot program managed by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), has been launched to promote innovation, competition, and equitable access to AI research. The program facilitates the delivery of computing power, data, software, and AI training resources to researchers and students through collaborations with federal agencies, private sector organizations, nonprofits, and philanthropic partners.

To expand AI expertise within the federal government, a surge in hiring AI professionals has been initiated through the AI Talent Surge. The Office of Personnel Management has granted flexible hiring authorities for federal agencies, enabling them to attract top AI talent through large-scale hiring actions and specialized programs like the U.S. Digital Corps and Presidential Innovation Fellows.

Recognizing the importance of AI education, the EducateAI initiative has been launched to provide funding for educators creating inclusive and high-quality AI educational opportunities from K-12 through undergraduate levels. This aligns with the Executive Order's focus on prioritizing AI-related workforce development to support future innovation.

The Biden administration has also announced the funding of new Regional Innovation Engines, with a focus on advancing AI. The Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine, for instance, will leverage AI in its efforts to create and scale breakthrough clinical therapies, with an initial investment of $15 million over two years.

In the healthcare sector, the Department of Health and Human Services has established an AI Task Force to develop policies that provide regulatory clarity and spur innovation. The Task Force aims to evaluate AI-enabled tools for drug development, improve public health, and enhance healthcare delivery. Recently, the Task Force collaborated to publish guiding principles for addressing racial biases in healthcare algorithms.

The progress made by federal agencies in response to the Executive Order is summarized in a table, highlighting the breadth of actions taken to propel AI research, address risks, and foster innovation.

The Biden administration's dedication to harnessing AI's potential and managing its challenges demonstrates its commitment to shape the future of technology in a responsible, inclusive, and secure manner. By prioritizing AI safety, advancing equity, and investing in innovation, the administration aims to secure America's position as a global leader in the AI landscape.

For more information on the Biden administration's AI initiatives, visit ai.gov.