White House Introduces New Efforts to Guide AI Research

Jace Dela Cruz, Tech Times 24 May 2023, 07:05 am

The White House has unveiled a series of new initiatives aimed at guiding and advancing the research, development, and deployment of responsible artificial intelligence (AI) in the United States.

These efforts prioritize the protection of individuals' rights and safety as AI tools gain prominence such as OpenAI's viral chatbot ChatGPT.

The Biden-Harris Administration has implemented measures to encourage responsible AI innovation, placing emphasis on the well-being of the general public, while also addressing potential risks to society, security, and the economy.

(Photo: Sergei Tokmakov, Esq. https://Terms.Law from Pixabay)

AI Initiatives

These initiatives include the establishment of the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, the implementation of executive actions, the introduction of the AI Risk Management Framework, the development of a roadmap for the establishment of a National AI Research Resource, as well as ongoing investments and actions to address national security concerns related to AI.

The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) at the White House has recently unveiled an updated version of the National AI R&D Strategic Plan. This plan outlines the key priorities and objectives for federal investments in AI research and development (R&D).

It has been carefully crafted by experts from various federal government agencies, incorporating public input. The plan reinforces the federal government's commitment to investing in R&D that encourages responsible innovation in America.

In line with the Administration's commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, the OSTP has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to seek public input on national priorities pertaining to mitigating AI risks.

This RFI is an essential component of the Administration's ongoing efforts to develop a cohesive and comprehensive strategy for managing AI risks and maximizing AI opportunities.

New AI Report

The US Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology has also released a new report titled "Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Future of Teaching and Learning: Insights and Recommendations."

In this report, an overview is provided on the risks and opportunities that arise from the application of AI in different educational areas, encompassing teaching, learning, research, and assessment.

The report acknowledges the potential advantages and emphasizes how AI can facilitate novel modes of engagement between educators and students, contribute to mitigating learning disparities, enhance feedback mechanisms, and offer support to educators.

Nevertheless, it also underscores the associated risks linked to AI, particularly concerning algorithmic bias, and emphasizes the critical significance of trust, safety, and the implementation of suitable protective measures.

Listening Session

Furthermore, the White House is organizing a listening session with the objective of collecting direct insights from workers regarding the utilization of automated technologies by employers for purposes such as surveillance, monitoring, evaluation, and management.

The session will encompass a wide range of sectors, including call centers, trucking, warehousing, healthcare, and gig work, and will involve the participation of policy experts, researchers, and policymakers.

This initiative builds upon a previous Request for Information (RFI) issued by the OSTP, which aimed to enhance the Administration's comprehension of the development, implementation, prevalence, and consequences of automated technologies employed for the monitoring and tracking of workers.