7 Tech Giants Join Forces with US President Biden to Implement AI Safeguarding Measures

• Blockchain Council
• July 25, 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a driving force in shaping our world, promising immense benefits and innovation. However, as AI’s potential grows, so do the concerns over its safe and ethical development. Recognizing this, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken a proactive stance, engaging seven leading AI companies to commit to groundbreaking safeguards that prioritize safety, security, and trust. 

This landmark move aims to ensure that AI’s advancements don’t come at the expense of people’s rights and well-being. In a historic meeting at the White House, executives from Amazon, Anthropic, Google, Inflection, Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI pledged their commitment to this crucial cause. Let’s delve into the details of these visionary safeguards and their implications for the future of AI.

According to President Biden, “We must be clear-eyed and vigilant about the threats emerging from emerging technologies that can pose—don’t have to but can pose—to our democracy and our values.”

Companies in the tech industry are instrumental in the development of emerging technologies like AI. With this privilege comes great responsibility – to ensure that their products are safe, secure, and trustworthy. The Biden-Harris Administration, acknowledging this responsibility, has urged the AI industry to uphold the highest standards, placing Americans’ rights and safety at the core of their innovations.

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The commitments made by these seven tech giants underscore three vital principles that form the bedrock of responsible AI development:

• Safety: Prioritizing the safety of AI systems and products by conducting thorough internal and external security testing. This involves seeking the expertise of independent experts to assess and mitigate potential risks, encompassing biosecurity, cybersecurity, and societal impacts.

• Security First: Investing in robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard proprietary and unreleased model weights, the critical components of AI systems. Third-party discovery and reporting of vulnerabilities are encouraged to address issues even after deployment swiftly.

• Earning Public Trust: Promoting transparency and accountability by implementing mechanisms to disclose AI-generated content to users, reducing the risks of fraud and deception. Publicly reporting AI systems’ capabilities and limitations, as well as their societal and security risks, fosters trust and responsible usage.

“By moving quickly, the White House’s commitments create a foundation to help ensure the promise of AI stays ahead of its risks,” said Brad Smith, expressing Microsoft’s support for the voluntary safeguards.

The potential of AI is immense, and when responsibly managed, it can contribute significantly to solving some of society’s most pressing challenges. From combating cancer and mitigating climate change to fostering prosperity, equality, and security, AI can play a pivotal role. The commitments made by these companies not only address the risks but also exemplify their dedication to using AI as a force for good.

 Anna Makanju, Vice President of Global Affairs at OpenAI, said, “This is part of our ongoing collaboration with governments, civil society organizations, and others around the world to advance AI governance.”

The Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to responsible AI extends beyond national boundaries. Collaborating with allies and partners worldwide, the United States seeks to establish a robust international framework to govern AI’s development and usage. Consultations have already taken place with several countries and organizations to ensure global support and cooperation in advancing AI governance.

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This historic announcement by the Biden-Harris Administration is part of a broader commitment to secure and responsible AI development. Earlier this year, President Biden signed an Executive Order to address bias in new technologies, including AI, while various government agencies ramped up efforts to protect Americans from AI-related risks.

While voluntary safeguards are a significant step, experts and upstart competitors advocate for further legislation to hold companies accountable and ensure comprehensive protection. European regulators are poised to adopt AI laws, and lawmakers in the United States are actively exploring regulatory possibilities.

The collaboration between seven leading AI companies and the Biden-Harris Administration marks a significant milestone in the responsible development of AI. By prioritizing safety, security, and trust, these tech giants have demonstrated their commitment to using AI for the betterment of society. As technology evolves, the path forward lies in striking a delicate balance between innovation and safeguarding human rights. With voluntary commitments and forthcoming regulatory efforts, the future of AI promises to be one that fosters creativity, prosperity, and societal well-being.

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