Today, the White House has released an executive order requiring companies to share national security risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) with federal agencies. The order sets out measures for companies to take when considering new AI products, services, and algorithms, placing a heavy burden on organizations to monitor and address any potential risks to the United States.
The Executive Order entitled “Addressing the Risk of Artificial Intelligence Applications” is designed to ensure that the nation’s security infrastructure continues to remain strong in the face of quite possibly the most transformative technological development since the dawn of the internet age. The order speaks directly to the threat posed by malicious actors using AI technologies to gain an advantage over the U.S. and its allies.
The order primarily focuses on the requirement of companies to share national security risks with appropriate federal agencies, while also empowering the government to prevent the use of such technologies by persons with nefarious intentions. Companies are now responsible for uncovering and disclosing to the appropriate federal agencies any potentially harmful AI-based activities, as well as for working with federal agencies to reduce risks and mitigate dangerous effects caused by the technology.
The executive order also notes that the government should work with innovative startups and industry groups to ensure our nation’s security remains afloat. To that effect, the order encourages open dialogues between federal agencies and AI companies to help establish safe guidelines for AI use, with the goal of further reducing the risk for any national security threats.
Overall, today’s executive order is a major step in the path toward fully integrating AI technology into our everyday lives while also ensuring our national security remains intact. The order’s demands for transparency and cooperation between companies and federal agencies will go a long way in limiting the risk of harm from malicious actors using AI for their own gain.