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Biden Administration Pledges $140 Million for National AI Research Institutes
In a bid to mitigate the risks posed by emerging AI technologies to the American public, the Biden Administration announced plans to invest $140 million in launching seven new AI R&D centers as part of the National Science Foundation. This move comes hours before Vice President Kamala Harris meets with the heads of America’s four leading AI tech companies – Alphabet, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Microsoft – for a “frank discussion” about the technology’s risks. The announcement also includes extracting commitments from leading AI companies to participate in a “public evaluation” of their AI systems at DEFCON 31 and ordering the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to draft policy guidance for federal employees.
According to a senior administration official, “The Biden Harris administration has been leading on these issues since long before these newest generative AI products debuted last fall.” The Administration unveiled its AI Bill of Rights “blueprint” last October, which aimed to “help guide the design, development, and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and other automated systems so that they protect the rights of the American public,” per a White House press release.
The Significance of the Investment in AI R&D
The Biden Administration’s investment in launching seven new AI R&D centers is a significant step towards promoting ethical and trustworthy AI, as it seeks to collaborate research efforts across academia, the private sector, and government to develop ethical and trustworthy solutions in various fields. These include climate, agriculture and energy, public health, education, and cybersecurity, among others.
According to a White House official, “These are important new steps to come out responsible innovation and to make sure AI improves people’s lives, without putting rights and safety at risk.” The official noted that the administration aims to ensure that companies and innovators are partners in this work, as tech companies have a fundamental responsibility to ensure their products are safe and secure and that they protect people’s rights before they are deployed or made public.
The Need for AI Regulation
While AI technology can provide many benefits, it can also pose significant risks if it is not regulated properly. The Biden Administration recognizes this and has taken several steps to address it, including launching the seven new AI R&D centers and encouraging companies to participate in a public evaluation of their AI systems at DEFCON 31. The Administration is also drafting policy guidance for federal employees to help ensure that AI is used responsibly.
Ethical Considerations
One of the biggest concerns surrounding AI technology is its potential impact on society. As AI becomes more advanced, it could lead to widespread job loss and even threaten national security. To mitigate these risks, the Biden Administration is emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations in the development and deployment of AI technology.
The Role of Tech Companies
Tech companies have a responsibility to ensure that their products are safe and secure and that they protect people’s rights before they are deployed or made public. The Biden Administration is working closely with leading AI companies to ensure that they are meeting this responsibility. As part of this effort, the Administration has obtained commitments from several companies, including Google and Microsoft, to participate in a public evaluation of their AI systems at DEFCON 31.
The Importance of Collaboration
The development and deployment of AI technology requires collaboration between the private sector, academia, and government. The seven new AI R&D centers being launched as part of the National Science Foundation will act as hubs for this collaboration, bringing together experts from different fields to work on developing ethical and trustworthy AI systems.
The Biden Administration’s announcement of $140 million to launch seven new National AI Research Institutes is a significant step towards ensuring that AI technology is developed and deployed in a responsible and ethical manner. By emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and collaboration between different sectors, the Administration is helping to mitigate the risks posed by emerging AI technologies. Tech companies also have a responsibility to ensure that their products are safe and secure, and the Administration is working with them to ensure that they meet this responsibility.
