Algorithm-based technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) are increasingly pervading all areas of our lives. AI has become strategically crucial for governments worldwide, being considered one of the most transformative forces of our time.

Its general-purpose status enables it to generate benefits across a wide array of domains and, in turn, is expected to enhance both individual economic and societal welfare. It is, therefore, no surprise that global competition to develop AI applications has emerged. Many countries and regions are explicitly taking part in a 'race to AI', striving to advance the technology's use and benefits more rapidly and successfully than others.

On Monday, 30th October 2023, President Biden is issuing a landmark Executive Order to ensure that America leads the way in seizing the promise and managing the risks of artificial intelligence (AI). The Executive Order establishes new standards for AI safety and security, protects Americans' privacy, advances equity and civil rights, stands up for consumers and workers, promotes innovation and competition, advances American leadership worldwide, and more.

Through the order, President Biden stated, "My Administration places the highest urgency on governing the development and use of AI. Safely and responsibly, therefore advancing a coordinated, Federal Government-wide approach. The rapid speed at which AI capabilities advance compels the United States to lead for our security, economy, and society".

The Executive Order builds on previous actions the President has taken, including work that led to voluntary commitments from 15 leading companies to drive safe, secure, and trustworthy development of AI.

The objective of the order

The executive order directs towards New Standards for AI. Safety and Security, Protecting Americans' Privacy, Advancing Equity and Civil Rights, Standing Up for Consumers, Patients, and Students, Supporting Workers, Promoting Innovation and Competition, Advancing American Leadership Abroad, and Ensuring Responsible and Effective Government Use of AI.

Trisha Ray, an associate director and resident fellow at the Atlantic Council's GeoTech Center, called the order a timely signal of the United States' intent to lead the global conversation on AI ethics by example.

Key directions of the order

The order requires that developers of the most powerful AI systems share their safety test results and other critical information with the US government. The order demands the development of standards, tools, and tests to help ensure that AI systems are safe, secure, and trustworthy. Protect against the risks of using AI to engineer dangerous biological materials by developing strong new standards for biological synthesis screening.

The order protects Americans' privacy by prioritizing federal support for accelerating the development and use of privacy-preserving techniques. It strengthens privacy-preserving research and technologies, evaluates how agencies collect and use commercially available information, and strengthens privacy guidance for federal agencies.

To ensure that AI advances equity and civil rights, the order provides clear guidance to landlords, Federal benefits programs, and federal contractors. It addresses algorithmic discrimination and ensures fairness throughout the criminal justice system.

AI is changing America's jobs and workplaces, offering both the promise of improved productivity and the dangers of increased workplace surveillance, bias, and job displacement. The order aims to mitigate these risks, support workers' ability to bargain collectively and invest in workforce training and development that is accessible to all. The Executive Order ensures that the country continues to lead the way in innovation and competition.

The order states that the Biden-Harris Administration will continue working with other nations to support safe, secure, and trustworthy deployment and use of AI worldwide. It also ensures the responsible government deployment of AI and modernized federal AI infrastructure.

Simple and pragmatic

According to Gram Brookie, vice president and senior director of the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, the proliferation of AI governance efforts this year at nearly every level, including local, national, multinational, multi-stakeholder, and more, has been a natural extension of the rapid deployment of AI and industry reorientation around it. He called the order a "simple and pragmatic" step forward in coherent and connective tech policy.

The executive order correctly calls for assessments by federal agencies in their use of AI, and that will require investments in building capability, tools, and technology, along with accountable AI methods and processes.

Benefits for Indian students

One of the significant benefits the order offers is the reduction in processing times and associated costs. In addition, it improves convenience for students and scholars. Most STEM students will no longer be required to travel to their home country for a visa interview at an Embassy. 

The students will also be able to attend international conferences more easily and enjoy hassle-free travel without worrying about visa renewal back home.