The White House recently marked nine months since President Biden’s executive order on artificial intelligence with a new voluntary safety commitment from Apple and several completed actions across the government.

Apple’s Commitment

Apple’s agreement to safety, testing, and transparency measures brings the total number of AI companies committed to 16, which includes notable names like Meta, OpenAI, IBM, and Adobe.

Federal Actions Completed

Federal agencies have successfully completed numerous actions required within 270 days of the executive order. These include the first technical guidelines for public comment from the AI Safety Institute and initial guidance on AI training data.

National Security Memo

A White House spokesperson confirmed that a national security memo was sent to the president, with non-classified portions expected to be made available soon. This memo is crucial for addressing AI’s role in national security.

Concerns from Civil Society

Fifteen civil society groups have urged the administration to establish meaningful standards for AI use in national security, emphasizing the risks involved.

Upcoming Reports

More details are anticipated from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration regarding the risks and benefits of dual-use foundation models.

Recruitment Efforts

The administration has hired over 200 individuals through its AI Talent Surge initiative, reflecting a significant increase in recruitment efforts.

Vice President’s Role

Vice President Kamala Harris has been instrumental in the administration’s AI initiatives, advocating for safety and responsible use of AI technologies.

Guidelines from AI Safety Institute

The new guidelines focus on mitigating the misuse of dual-use foundation models, with comments due by September 9.

Conclusion

As the administration continues to address the rapid advancements in AI, discussions on national security implications and the establishment of guidelines are of utmost importance.