US federal agencies have now been issued a guidance by the White House on how to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) applications that are produced in the US.
"This memorandum sets out policy considerations that should guide, to the extent permitted by law, regulatory and non-regulatory approaches to AI applications developed and deployed outside of the federal government," stated Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the memo[1] [PDF] for all the heads of executive departments and agencies, including independent regulatory agencies.
The OMB guidance comes 21 months after President Donald Trump signed an executive order[2] to fast-track the development and regulation of AI in the US.
President Trump at the time touted the executive order would see the launch of the American AI initiative, which would place US resources towards ensuring that AI technology is made locally.
According to the guidance, the idea is to ensure that agencies do not introduce regulations and rules that "hamper AI innovation and growth".
"Where permitted by law, when deciding whether and how to regulate in an area that may affect AI applications, agencies should assess the effect of the potential regulation on Al innovation and growth," it said.
"While narrowly tailored and evidence-based regulations that address specific and identifiable risks could provide an enabling environment for US companies to maintain global competitiveness, agencies must avoid a precautionary approach that holds AI systems to an impossibly high standard such that society cannot enjoy their benefits and that could undermine America's position as the global leader in AI innovation."
Read also: How to govern AI in your organization: 6 tips[3] (TechRepublic)
The guidance advises agencies to address inconsistent, burdensome, or duplicative state laws that