Trump’s Executive Order on AI: What You Need to Know
Section 2 of Trump’s order is written vaguely to give the administration leeway to challenge many types of AI laws. “It is the policy of the United States to sustain and enhance the United States’ global AI dominance through a minimally burdensome national policy framework for AI,” the section says.
Colorado Law and AI Discrimination
The executive order specifically names a Colorado law that requires AI developers to protect consumers against “algorithmic discrimination.” It defines this type of discrimination as “any condition in which the use of an artificial intelligence system results in an unlawful differential treatment or impact that disfavors an individual or group of individuals on the basis” of age, race, sex, and other protected characteristics.
The Colorado law compels developers of “high-risk systems” to make various disclosures, implement a risk management policy and program, give consumers the right to “correct any incorrect personal data that a high-risk system processed in making a consequential decision,” and let consumers appeal any “adverse consequential decision concerning the consumer arising from the deployment of a high-risk system.”
Trump’s Concerns with the Colorado Law
Trump’s order alleges that the Colorado law “may even force AI models to produce false results in order to avoid a ‘differential treatment or impact’ on protected groups.” Trump’s order also says that “state laws sometimes impermissibly regulate beyond State borders, impinging on interstate commerce.”
Evaluation of State AI Laws
Trump ordered the Commerce Department to evaluate existing state AI laws and identify “onerous” ones that conflict with the policy. “That evaluation of State AI laws shall, at a minimum, identify laws that require AI models to alter their truthful outputs, or that may compel AI developers or deployers to disclose or report information in a manner that would violate the First Amendment or any other provision of the Constitution,” the order said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Trump’s executive order on AI aims to promote a “minimally burdensome national policy framework” for AI, while also challenging state laws that may be seen as too restrictive. The order specifically targets a Colorado law that requires AI developers to protect consumers against algorithmic discrimination. As the Commerce Department evaluates existing state AI laws, it will be interesting to see how this order shapes the future of AI regulation in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main goal of Trump’s executive order on AI?
A: The main goal of the order is to promote a “minimally burdensome national policy framework” for AI and to challenge state laws that may be seen as too restrictive.
Q: Which state law is specifically mentioned in the order?
A: The Colorado law that requires AI developers to protect consumers against algorithmic discrimination is specifically mentioned in the order.
Q: What will the Commerce Department do as a result of the order?
A: The Commerce Department will evaluate existing state AI laws and identify “onerous” ones that conflict with the policy.
