The White House has laid out a new set of rules for AI use by the US government and the Military.
The new rules will stop intelligence and defense organizations including the Pentagon from using artificial intelligence in ways that do not ‘align with democratic values’.
The National Security Memorandum on Artificial Intelligence will be published in full on Thursday, 23rd October. This will be the first official US legislation outlining how national security employees should use AI responsibility.
In addressing the reasoning behind the upcoming legislation US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said:
“In this age, in this world, the application of artificial intelligence will define the future, and our country must once again develop new capabilities, new tools, and, as General Eisenhower said, new doctrine, if we want to ensure that AI works for us, for our partners, for our interests, and for our values, and not against us.”
He confirmed that the new memorandum would help the US to harness the power of AI to advance national security, whilst managing the associated risks appropriately.
Race for AI Legislation
Officials have stated that they hope this landmark legislation will set an example for other governments looking to use AI technology responsibly.
This time last year, President Biden signed an Executive Order on Safe, Secure and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence. The order was described by the White House as “the most significant actions ever taken by any government to advance the field of AI safety,” and required tech firms working on dangerous models to share safety data with the government before release.
Despite being a first for the US, the new legislation will follow the legacy of Europe’s first AI law. Earlier this year the EU AI Act formally introduced guardrails, consumer rights, and liability controls in the development of artificial intelligence.
Every country vying not only to be a leader in the exciting technological advancements that come with AI but in the laws and governance that must be implemented to control them safely. The race for AI regulation is a fierce competition, ex-Prime Minster of the UK Rishi Sunak insisted that that the UK was “the natural place to lead the conversation,” insisting that its rich regulatory history will make others listen to “this mid-sized country,” and evaluate the AI’s “most significant risks.”
During the State Opening of Parliament 17 July 2024, the monarch, King Charles III confirmed the new government led by Keir Starmer would ‘seek to establish the appropriate legislation to place requirements on those working to develop the most powerful artificial intelligence models.”
However, the new US rules come with an election related caveat. If the Republican party secures the presidency with Donald Trump's candidacy they could choose not to enact the legislation.
