Policy Watch
‘Chief AI Officer’ is the Word of the Day in Washington
Washington: Vice President Harris unveiled new guidelines for the use of AI across federal agencies. The announcement, made by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), outlines three key areas of focus: implementing AI safeguards, enhancing transparency in AI usage, and appointing Chief AI Officers (CAIO) at every agency.
Under the new policies, agencies have been given a 60-day deadline to appoint a CAIO to oversee AI projects and ensure responsible usage. Additionally, AI Governance Boards will be established to provide oversight, with agencies required to implement concrete safeguards by December 1, 2024, to protect public safety and rights.
At the first-ever Global AI Summit last year, I laid out our vision for a future where AI advances the public interest.
To help build that future, I am announcing our first government-wide policy to promote the safe, secure, and responsible use of AI. https://t.co/6NPXLWn8Oc
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) March 28, 2024
Furthermore, the policy emphasizes transparency by mandating that government agencies publish a list of AI tools they use, including details on how they impact the rights and safety of the public. This move aims to foster accountability and ensure that AI adoption benefits society while mitigating potential risks
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In parallel, the White House also announced plans to hire 100 AI professionals and expand AI training programs through a $5 million investment in the General Services Administration. These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to promoting the responsible and ethical use of AI while advancing innovation.
Meanwhile, back home in India, the Modi government had launched the IndiaAI Mission, a $1.25 billion investment aimed at bolstering the country’s AI ecosystem. Through a public-private partnership model, the mission seeks to nurture India’s AI innovation ecosystem and drive technological advancement.
Together, these developments reflect the global momentum towards harnessing AI for societal benefit while addressing concerns around transparency, accountability, and ethical usage. VP Harris emphasized the importance of ensuring that AI advancements protect the public from potential harm while maximizing its benefits for all.
With these initiatives, both the US and India are taking proactive steps to position themselves as leaders in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence, driving innovation and fostering sustainable growth in the digital age.