The United States Government’s AI Plan

The release of a 28-page document outlining the U.S. Government’s plan for artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked excitement and concern. The document, which can be found here, outlines key highlights and recommendations that will shape the future of AI development in the US.

This plan emphasizes the need to do the following:

Accelerate AI Innovation

1.     Remove red tape and onerous regulation: The plan calls for streamlining regulatory processes to allow private sector innovation to flourish.

2.     Ensure AI protects free speech and American values: AI systems must be designed to promote freedom of expression, protect individual rights, and reflect US values.

Build and Maintain Vast AI Infrastructure

1.     Develop a comprehensive strategy for AI infrastructure development: The plan emphasizes the need for high-speed computing, data storage, and energy supply.

2.     Promote American leadership in AI research and development: The plan encourages investment in basic research and encourages private sector innovation.

Establish American AI as the Gold Standard

1.     Encourage international adoption of US AI standards: The plan aims to establish the US as a global leader in AI technology. 

2.     Counter Chinese influence in international governance bodies: The plan seeks to promote US values and interests in international organizations related to AI.

Key Recommendations

1.      Establish an export control regime for advanced AI compute: The plan proposes regulating the export of sensitive AI technologies.

2.      Develop new measures to address gaps in semiconductor manufacturing export controls: The plan aims to prevent adversaries from exploiting US innovations for national security purposes.

3.      Align protection measures globally: The plan encourages international cooperation on AI-related issues and advocates for complementary technology protection measures.

Biosecurity

1.     Invest in biosecurity infrastructure: The plan emphasizes the need for robust screening procedures for nucleic acid synthesis tools.

2.     Develop a mechanism to facilitate data sharing between nucleic acid synthesis providers: The plan aims to enhance collaboration among industry actors to prevent malicious use of AI.

The overall goal of this policy plan is to ensure that the US maintains its leadership in AI development and deployment while promoting responsible innovation and preventing the misuse of AI technologies.

Conclusion

The Government is making a considerable effort to ensure that U.S. AI technology becomes the standard that all AI development is measured against, as-well-as as becoming the gatekeeper for “bleeding edge” innovations.  This reminds me of Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works¹ program, the leader in aerospace and stealth technologies.  Controlling this type of technology will not be easy and although the Government wants to reduce the red tape and regulations to foster the rapid develop of new AI technologies, while at the same time they [U.S. Government] are looking to implement “export control” to curb the proliferation of new AI breakthroughs.  This is similar to the export restrictions placed on certain encryption algorithms in network and telecommunications and computer equipment².  A lofty goal indeed, which will inevitably pave the way for a grey/black market for this cutting-edge technology.

1.      Lockheed Martin Skunk Works (https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/who-we-are/business-areas/aeronautics/skunkworks.html)

2.      U.S. Department of Commerce (https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/policy-guidance/encryption)