- The U.S. Department of Commerce unveils initiatives to implement President Biden’s AI Executive Order.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) releases draft publications on AI safety, security, and trustworthiness.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) seeks public feedback on AI’s impact on patent evaluations.
- NIST launches the GenAI program to evaluate generative AI technologies.
- These initiatives aim to foster responsible AI innovation while addressing concerns about safety, security, and trustworthiness.
Main AI News:
In a significant move following the 180-day milestone since the enactment of President Biden’s Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development of AI, the U.S. Department of Commerce has unveiled several key initiatives aimed at implementing the directives outlined in the order. These initiatives, announced today, underscore the Department’s commitment to fostering responsible innovation while addressing the safety, security, and trustworthiness of artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
Led by the Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the newly unveiled actions include the release of four draft publications designed to enhance the safety, security, and trustworthiness of AI technologies. Among these publications are comprehensive guidelines intended to manage the unique risks associated with generative AI, which powers applications such as chatbots and text-based image and video creation tools. Additionally, NIST has launched a challenge series aimed at advancing methods to differentiate between content generated by humans and that produced by AI.
Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, emphasized the Department’s dedication to transparency and collaboration with stakeholders in its efforts to harness the potential of AI while mitigating associated risks. She highlighted the substantial progress made within a relatively short timeframe, citing the significance of the resources and guidance provided by the Department to support responsible AI innovation and maintain America’s technological leadership.
NIST’s draft publications cover various facets of AI technology, including risk management frameworks for generative AI, strategies for securing software development practices, and approaches for promoting transparency in digital content. These initial drafts seek public feedback to inform the final versions, underscoring the Department’s commitment to inclusive and collaborative policymaking.
In parallel, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a request for public comment (RFC) to solicit feedback on the implications of AI on patent evaluations under U.S. law. This initiative aims to address key questions surrounding the assessment of prior art and the determination of the level of skill in the arts required for patentability in the context of AI-assisted inventions.
Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, emphasized the importance of responsible AI use in innovation while safeguarding the integrity of intellectual property rights. This initiative builds upon prior guidance issued by the USPTO regarding the patentability of AI-assisted innovations, further underscoring the Department’s commitment to navigating the intersection of AI and intellectual property.
As part of its ongoing efforts, NIST has also announced the launch of the NIST GenAI program, aimed at evaluating and measuring the capabilities and limitations of generative AI technologies. This program, aligned with the objectives of the Executive Order, seeks to promote information integrity and guide the responsible use of digital content through rigorous evaluation and measurement methodologies.
Conclusion:
The Department of Commerce’s proactive measures in response to President Biden’s Executive Order on AI signify a commitment to fostering responsible innovation while addressing potential risks. These initiatives provide clarity and guidance to stakeholders, promoting transparency and collaboration in the development and deployment of AI technologies. For the market, this signals a growing emphasis on ethical and responsible AI practices, which could drive innovation while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and maintaining consumer trust.
