As is the case with a wide range of technologies, AI is transforming process automation and resetting expectations around the results it is capable of achieving. But that transformation has occurred largely in the absence of regulation or government involvement. Intelligent automation technology providers that have been keeping an eye on how governments might respond to the mostly unchecked growth of AI received another clue recently.
The White House sent a press release this week detailing progress made on an Executive Order it issued in October that seeks to address risks AI poses to the public while not stifling innovation around the technology.
While the actions outlined in the press release are not directly aimed at intelligent automation technology providers, there are hints that some regulation or other action could be coming. In an effort to mitigate risks, the administration will use the Defense Production Act to compel “developers of the most powerful AI systems” to share information with the government. The AI working group also proposed a draft rule from the Department of Commerce that would require U.S. cloud computing companies that provide computing power for foreign AI training to report that fact.
Progress was also made on the Executive Order’s promise to ensure the U.S. maintains its innovation edge in the technology by launching a pilot exploring a national AI infrastructure and an initiative to accelerate the hiring of AI professionals by the federal government, among other activities.
“Taken together,” the release stated, “these activities mark substantial progress in achieving the EO’s mandate to protect Americans from the potential risks of AI systems while catalyzing innovation in AI and beyond.”