President Donald Trump signed an executive order on artificial intelligence Thursday aimed at revoking past government policies that are perceived as hindrances to American AI innovation. The order emphasizes the importance of developing AI systems free from ideological bias or engineered social agendas to maintain global leadership in AI technology.
The executive order does not specify which existing policies are impeding AI development but calls for a review of all policies, directives, regulations, and orders resulting from former President Joe Biden's comprehensive AI executive order of 2023, which Trump rescinded on Monday. Any actions from the Biden era that do not align with Trump's directive for AI to promote human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security must be suspended.
Last year, the Biden administration issued a policy directive requiring U.S. federal agencies to ensure their AI tools do not harm the public or cease using them. Trump's order instructs the White House to revise and reissue these directives, impacting how agencies acquire and utilize AI tools.
The Trump administration criticized Biden's 2023 executive order for imposing burdensome requirements on companies developing and deploying AI, which it claimed would stifle innovation and jeopardize American technological leadership.
Trump's order also mandates the development of an AI action plan within 180 days, overseen by a group of White House tech and science officials, including a new Special Advisor for AI and Crypto, David Sacks.
The new actions by Trump aim to undo some of the efforts made by the Biden administration, led by then-Vice President Kamala Harris, to restrict government use of AI tools that exhibit discriminatory behaviors based on race, gender, or disability.
Alondra Nelson, former acting director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy under Biden, criticized Trump's order as regressive, suggesting it seeks to dismantle initiatives that are currently benefiting the public.
The Biden administration's AI policies focused on safeguarding innovation and public welfare, with an emphasis on studying AI's impact on various aspects of society to prevent harm. Trump's order aligns with his campaign promise to revoke Biden's AI policy and reflects concerns raised by Trump adviser Elon Musk about biased AI.
Americans for Responsible Innovation, a nonprofit organization, commended Trump's commitment to out-innovating other nations in AI technology. The organization noted that the executive order serves as an interim measure until a comprehensive strategy is developed.
Agencies have halted work on AI policies initiated by the previous administration following Trump's repeal of Biden's executive order, signaling a shift in AI policy direction under the new administration.
