TRENDS has released a new study in English entitled “An Analytical Perspective of Biden’s Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence.” The study analyses the potential implications of US President Joe Biden’s executive order on artificial intelligence, and whether it will actually serve as a governance framework for the development and application of this emerging technology, or will remain a non-binding measure that can change as administrations change.

Gina Bou Serhal is a researcher at the Strategic Studies Department at Trends Research & Advisory

The study, conducted by Trends researcher Gina Bou Serhal, highlights the growing fears over the fast development of artificial intelligence in multiple fields. These include the consumer market, healthcare, education and defense. The study indicated that the attempts of governments and regulators to catch up with rapid technological development are similar to “controlling a raging forest fire”, especially with the possibility of unknown Pandora box risks represented by artificial intelligence.

The study followed President Biden’s signing of the executive order, which is seen as the first official action to guide the course of artificial intelligence in the United States. The order sets proposed standards for AI safety and security, protects privacy, promotes equality and civil rights, defends consumers and workers, promotes innovation and competition, and strengthens U.S. leadership globally.

The study shows that the powers of executive orders are limited, not legally binding. There remains the possibility of their cancellation by subsequent administrations. The author referred to the importance of the US Congress interference to enact tight AI legislation, which will provide a stable legal framework with enforceable powers.

A Morning Consult opinion poll in June showed that more than half of registered voters, including 57% of Democrats and 50% of Republicans, support strict regulation of AI development, including the creation of new regulatory bodies dedicated to oversight.

The study pointed out that the intense partisan American political reality in light of the approach of the presidential elections, and preoccupation with other global issues may undermine the US efforts to enact an effective new legislation. The study concludes by asking whether Biden’s executive order is just an “elusive reality” necessitated by elections hopes, or whether it will represent a real beginning for a responsible regulatory framework for artificial intelligence.