New America’s Open Technology Institute Applauds the Biden Administration’s Comprehensive Effort to Shape the Impact of AI on Society

Today, President Biden signed an executive order that would establish a coordinated, government-wide approach to shape the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of artificial intelligence. The order is an ambitious effort that directs components of the federal government to address security risks, promote innovation and competition, protect civil rights and civil liberties, and safeguard U.S. workers. The Open Technology Institute applauds the administration’s boldness in tackling an emerging technology that stands to disrupt and transform all aspects of our lives. This approach plants the seeds for a safer, more equitable AI future through measures that mitigate the harms produced from AI development, directives to marshal the federal government’s resources, and investments to foster innovation and attract talent to the U.S. workforce.

Lilian Coral, Vice President of Technology & Democracy Programs at New America, and Head of the Open Technology Institute, said:

“Although this order is an important step forward, much work remains to help ensure that our society maximizes the benefits of AI while mitigating its potential harms. We call on Congress to address many of the pressing challenges presented by AI through common-sense legislative language already introduced, such as the Algorithmic Accountability Act, the American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA), and the Fourth Amendment is Not for Sale Act. Passing these laws would create requirements to assess and address the impacts of automated decision-making, ensure important baseline privacy protections for all Americans, and restrict misuse of personal data. We urge federal agencies and the White House to prioritize the resourcing and implementation of these protections, which are essential to ensuring that AI develops in ways consistent with the EO and to providing safeguards in instances where AI counters our democratic ideals.

“OTI will continue to work with government, civil society and industry to highlight areas where greater engagement across sectors can advance policies that promote open, safe and secure technological development. In these efforts, we will also emphasize the need for states, cities, and counties, academia, and businesses to receive the investments they require to imaginatively and equitably harness the extraordinary potential of AI.”