Vice President Kamala Harris has announced the White House’s first government-wide policy on managing the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure citizen rights and safety. The policy mandates federal agencies to implement safeguards by December 1, 2024, and focuses on transparency, responsible innovation, and fair procurement practices in AI use.
Vice President Kamala Harris announced the release of the White House Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) first government-wide policy to manage the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), aligning with President Biden’s Executive Order on AI. The policy mandates federal agencies to implement safeguards by December 1, 2024, to ensure AI usage does not compromise citizen rights or safety. The OMB also requires federal agencies to enhance transparency in AI use, addressing risks and promoting responsible AI innovation.
Specific directives include comprehensive annual inventories of AI applications, detailed justifications for any AI-related exemptions, and public releases of government-owned AI resources when safe. The policy also encourages federal employee unions to collaborate on mitigating AI’s potential adverse impacts on workers. Moreover, the OMB aims to ensure fair AI procurement practices and maintain a competitive and transparent AI market.
This policy underscores commitments to responsible AI use in addressing societal challenges like climate change, public health, and safety. Agencies are encouraged to employ generative AI responsibly, with safeguards, and to grow their AI talent pool through initiatives like the National AI Talent Surge, aiming to recruit 100 AI experts by summer 2024.
Further steps include establishing AI governance structures across federal bodies, ensuring oversight and accountability. The OMB will also issue a request for information on responsible AI procurement and expand AI use case reporting. These measures build on the Administration’s AI Bill of Rights and the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, intending to position the U.S. government as a leader in safe and trustworthy AI application.
