The White House has issued a directive for all federal agencies to appoint chief artificial intelligence officers to oversee the government’s approaches to AI and manage potential risks associated with the rapidly evolving technology. This directive is part of a government-wide policy announced by Vice President Kamala Harris, following an executive order signed by President Biden in October. The goal is to push the federal government to keep up with changes in the field of artificial intelligence, which is known for its slow-moving bureaucracy.
In addition to appointing chief AI officers, federal agencies are required to establish AI governance boards to coordinate and establish rules for the use of AI technologies within each agency. Departments such as Defense, Housing and Urban Development, State, and Veterans Affairs have already set up governance boards. The Biden administration plans to hire 100 AI professionals across agencies by this summer. By December, federal agencies must implement concrete safeguards when using AI that could impact Americans’ rights or safety.
The White House aims to ensure responsible use of AI technologies by requiring agencies to demonstrate that AI systems do not produce racially biased diagnoses or other discriminatory outcomes. Federal agencies will also be required to publish a list of their AI systems online, along with an assessment of the risks associated with those systems and how they plan to manage them. Vice President Harris emphasized the importance of having senior leaders across the government specifically tasked with overseeing AI adoption and use.
Vice President Harris has been actively involved in overseeing the federal government’s adoption of AI technologies, delivering a policy speech in London in November on the U.S. government’s vision for the future of AI. AI has presented challenges for President Biden personally, with instances of AI being used to impersonate him in fake robocalls and manipulated videos online. The White House’s efforts to establish guidelines and safeguards for the use of AI technologies are intended to serve as a model for global action.
The new OMB policy represents a significant step towards ensuring responsible and ethical use of AI within the federal government. By appointing chief AI officers and establishing governance boards, federal agencies are better equipped to manage the risks associated with AI technologies and coordinate their use across different departments. The Biden administration’s emphasis on transparency and accountability in the deployment of AI systems reflects a commitment to maintaining public trust and ensuring equitable outcomes for all Americans. Overall, the White House’s efforts to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI technologies demonstrate a proactive approach to managing the impact of emerging technologies on society.
