White House presses gov't AI use with eye on security

Washington (Reuters): The Biden administration on Thursday unveiled plans to push artificial intelligence across the federal government for national security while saying its adoption must still reflect values such as privacy and civil rights.

In a memo, the White House directed US agencies "to improve the security and diversity of chip supply chains ... with AI in mind." It also prioritizes the collection of information on other countries' operations against the US AI sector and passing that intelligence along quickly to AI developers to help keep their products secure.

But such efforts must also protect human rights and democratic values, it added.

The directive is the latest move by US President Joe Biden's administration to address AI as Congress' efforts to regulate the emerging technology have stalled.

Next month, it will convene a global safety summit in San Francisco. Biden last year signed an executive order aimed at limiting the risks that AI poses to consumers, workers, minority groups, and national security.

Generative AI can create text, photos, and videos in response to open-ended prompts, inspiring both excitement over its potential as well as fears that it could be misused and potentially overpower humans with catastrophic effects.

Jim Womack is leading a Zoom training session for volunteers to monitor the vote on Nov. 5.

While Thursday's memo pressed government use, it also requires US agencies "to monitor, assess, and mitigate AI risks related to invasions of privacy, bias, and discrimination, the safety of individuals and groups, and other human rights abuses."

The directive also calls for a framework for Washington to work with allies to ensure AI "is developed and used in ways that adhere to international law while protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms."