Elizabeth Kelly, a former economic policy adviser to President Joe Biden, has been appointed as the director of the newly formed U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (USAISI), according to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. The USAISI was established last year by the White House to create AI safety tests for regulators. Kelly has previously contributed to the Biden Administration’s efforts to regulate AI through the AI Executive Order.
Kelly played a significant role in the development of the domestic components of the AI executive order, focusing on promoting competition, protecting privacy, and supporting workers and consumers. She also led the Administration’s engagement with allies and partners on AI governance. With her experience as a special assistant to the President for economic policy and her background in banking, Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role.
The appointment of Kelly reflects the U.S. government’s commitment to addressing the risks associated with AI. Policymakers worldwide are increasingly concerned about the rapid progress of AI and its potential consequences. The Biden Administration’s AI Executive Order aims to tackle various issues related to AI, including its impact on civil rights and the low adoption of AI by the government. The executive order also mandates that AI companies developing large and powerful AI models report the results of any safety tests they conduct.
The USAISI’s mission is to ensure the safe and responsible development of AI in the United States. By developing AI safety tests, the institute aims to provide regulators with the tools they need to assess the risks posed by AI systems. With Kelly at the helm, the USAISI will be able to leverage her expertise in economic policy and her understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. Under her leadership, the institute will play a crucial role in advancing AI governance and promoting innovation in the field.
