Donald Trump has officially rolled back Joe Biden’s executive order from October 2023 that set a framework for artificial intelligence (AI). This order included important reporting requirements for companies regarding their AI safety measures.
On his first day back in the White House, Trump wasted no time. He revoked several executive orders from the previous administration, including the significant one on AI. The list of actions released on January 20 highlighted this cancellation, which aimed to establish safety and security standards for AI. It required AI developers to share their safety testing information with the government.
Trump criticized Biden’s AI regulations as too restrictive. He argued that they hinder technological innovation. In his view, excessive regulation stifles creativity and economic growth. The Republican Party’s 2024 platform echoed this sentiment, calling Biden’s order a barrier to AI advancement. They advocate for AI development that promotes free speech and human flourishing.
Notably, key figures from major tech companies stood with Trump during his inauguration. Leaders like Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, and Google’s Sundar Pichai were all present. Meanwhile, U.S. companies are ramping up their investments in AI. For instance, Microsoft announced in September that it would establish two AI centers in Abu Dhabi.
Biden’s executive order laid out a framework for AI, focusing on six main areas. This included ethical use of AI in government, privacy protections for citizens, and measures to safeguard consumer privacy. It also included reporting requirements for companies and guidance from the National Institute of Standards and Technology to help identify flaws and biases in language models.
Alondra Nelson, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, expressed concern about Trump’s repeal. She stated that without a thoughtful replacement, this action could leave the public unprotected from the risks of AI. She emphasized that it might prevent people from enjoying the benefits AI could offer.
Alexander Nowrasteh, an analyst at the Cato Institute, suggested that keeping certain sections of the order would have been wise. He pointed out that those sections eased immigration for AI workers, which is important for skilled immigration advocates.
In the final days of Biden’s presidency, a proposed framework aimed to impose restrictions on AI semiconductor sales to all but 18 U.S. allies. This move sparked backlash from the tech industry, which raised concerns that it could stifle innovation and weaken America’s leadership in the tech sector.