US Vice President Kamala Harris has unveiled a series of new regulations governing the use of AI by federal agencies, following President Biden’s Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence issued last October. The US government seeks to alleviate concerns regarding the potential misuse of AI technologies within government operations, which has raised many suspicions.
The policies aim to mitigate the risks associated with artificial intelligence to ensure that they do not compromise citizens’ rights and safety. By December 1, 2024, all federal agencies must establish specific measures to address potential risks such as algorithmic bias and societal impacts. The mandatory provisions require agencies to allow individuals in airports to opt out of TSA facial recognition and to ensure human oversight in healthcare and fraud detection in government services where artificial intelligence is utilized. Agencies unable to meet these requirements will be mandated to cease using the respective AI tools.
To enhance transparency, federal agencies must publicly disclose an inventory of the AI tools they use, along with the use cases affecting rights or safety and the corresponding mitigation strategies. However, exceptions exist for cases involving national security or intelligence operations, although agencies must still report on artificial intelligence system metrics and justify these exemptions.
Strengthening AI Governance
The policies also emphasize fostering responsible artificial intelligence innovation across various applications, including addressing climate change, disaster response, healthcare, and public transportation. Additionally, the Biden-Harris Administration aims to recruit 100 AI professionals by summer 2024 to facilitate the safe and trustworthy deployment of artificial intelligence within federal agencies, offering incentives such as upfront pay, relocation assistance, and flexible working arrangements to attract top talent.
To strengthen AI governance further, federal agencies must appoint Chief AI Officers to oversee AI technologies comprehensively. These officers will have the experience, expertise, and authority to ensure accountability, leadership, and oversight of artificial intelligence usage within their respective agencies. Additionally, agencies will establish artificial intelligence governance boards to coordinate and regulate the implementation of artificial intelligence across agencies, ensuring consistency and adherence to established guidelines. The overarching goal of these policies is to harness the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance public services while safeguarding citizens’ rights and safety.
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