The White House has recently issued an Executive Order aimed at guiding artificial intelligence (AI) usage, underscoring the Biden administration’s commitment to privacy and cybersecurity. This guidance is directed not only towards government agencies, but will also significantly impact how businesses interact with AI.
According to an in-depth examination of the executive order by Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP, the directive is built on eight foundational principles. These principles represent the core values that, under this administration, AI usage should strive to uphold.
- Public Trust in AI
- Public Participation
- Scientific Integrity and Information Quality
- Risk Assessment and Management
- Benefits and Costs Analysis
- Privacy and Civil Liberties Protection
- Transparency
- Security and Safety
Of particular interest to legal professionals in the corporate world is the focus on privacy and cybersecurity impacts. AI-driven businesses will have to adjust policies and practices to fall in line with the new directive. At present, the exact nature of these adjustments isn’t spelled out in the order and will likely be shaped by upcoming regulatory specifics.
The Executive Order underlines the broader trend of integrating privacy and cybersecurity considerations into AI use. Continued vigilance and proactive engagement are more critical than ever for businesses aiming to align with these regulatory and ethical standards.
In conclusion, while the Executive Order is primarily directed at government agencies, all businesses that rely on AI stand to be affected. It signals the government’s intent to take AI regulation seriously, with privacy, security and transparency at the forefront. Legal professionals, particularly those navigating the intersection of tech and law, will have to stay aware of and adjust to these evolving dynamics.