US President Joe Biden called on a meeting Tuesday with his science and technology advisers to discuss the possible impact of artificial intelligence on consumers, as well as its potential to become a threat to national security. According to the president, it has yet to be seen if AI is dangerous, but he cautioned tech companies to make sure that their products won't put the public at risk.
President Biden Says AI Can Help Address Vital Issue
AI has become more accessible to the public with the advancements in its technology over the last couple of years. Today, the general public can experience the power of AI with the emergency of AI chatbots, particularly ChatGPT. As more people are being drawn into AI, tech companies are expected to rush with launching their own AI products, according to Engadget.
However, there are fears that AI advancements might be happening too fast that people have not fully realized the possible danger that it could present. For President Biden, the danger "remains to be seen." As reported by AP and Reuters, the president acknowledged AI's capability to "deal with some very difficult challenges like disease and climate change."
At the same time, President Biden also expressed uncertainty about the safety of using AI. He recognized that AI should address the risks that it can pose to society, the economy and national security.
The said meeting included academics and officials from the Big Tech companies, Google and Microsoft, to which the president also gave caution about the responsibilities that they have to ensure their products' safety.
"Tech companies have a responsibility, in my view, to make sure their products are safe before making them public," President Biden said.
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US Government Won't Interfere With the Commercial Development of AI
According to AP, the purpose of President Biden's meeting with his council of tech advisers was to "discuss the importance of protecting rights and safety to ensure responsible innovation and appropriate safeguards." The president is also concerned about children's welfare while using tech products, as well as the issues of data collection by tech companies. Hence, the president is urging Congress to pass legislation that will address these concerns.
Despite the issues surrounding AI, the White House does not appear to impose restrictions on AI products, similar to what other countries have already implemented. Italy ordered a temporary ban on ChatGPT due to data privacy issues, while the European Union lawmakers are currently in talks to pass a bill that will limit the use of AI products.
Based on the discussions during President Biden's AI meeting, the US government is not in a hurry to create new policies or make significant changes in regulating AI products. According to Russell Wald, managing director of policy and society at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, the United States will not interfere with the commercial development of AI.
