The U.S. Department of Commerce has unveiled a series of pivotal announcements in response to President Biden’s Executive Order (EO) on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development of AI, marking 180 days since its enactment. These initiatives, spearheaded by the Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), signify a concerted effort to enhance the safety, security, and trustworthiness of artificial intelligence (AI) systems while fostering innovation and technological leadership.
NIST, at the forefront of these developments, has released four draft publications aimed at providing comprehensive guidance on managing the risks associated with AI technologies. These publications cover diverse aspects of AI, ranging from mitigating risks posed by generative AI to promoting transparency in digital content. Additionally, NIST has launched a challenge series focused on developing methods to discern between human-generated and AI-generated content, addressing a critical need in combating misinformation and ensuring content integrity.
Highlighting the significance of these efforts, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo underscored the Department’s commitment to transparency and stakeholder feedback, emphasizing the strides made in advancing responsible innovation in AI. These initiatives reflect the Department of Commerce’s dedication to harnessing the potential of AI while minimizing associated risks and maintaining America’s technological leadership.
Laurie E. Locascio, Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director, emphasized the unique risks posed by generative AI technologies and the importance of proactive risk management. The guidance documents released by NIST provide actionable insights for developers to mitigate these risks while fostering innovation.
Furthermore, USPTO has published a request for public comment (RFC) seeking feedback on the impact of AI on patentability evaluations under U.S. law. This initiative underscores the intersection of AI and intellectual property rights, aiming to provide clarity on the patentability of AI-assisted inventions. Kathi Vidal, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of USPTO, highlighted the importance of encouraging responsible AI use while safeguarding the role of intellectual property in incentivizing innovation.
The NIST publications, now open for public feedback until June 2, 2024, offer valuable insights into mitigating risks associated with generative AI, securing training data for AI systems, promoting transparency in digital content, and fostering global AI standards. Stakeholder engagement is pivotal in refining these guidance documents to address evolving challenges and opportunities in the AI landscape.
Additionally, NIST has introduced the GenAI program, aimed at evaluating and measuring generative AI technologies to promote information integrity and responsible content usage. This program will play a crucial role in advancing AI safety and guiding the development of AI technologies.
USPTO’s RFC on patentability underscores the department’s commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring clarity and predictability in patent evaluations for AI-assisted inventions.
In conclusion, the Department of Commerce’s recent initiatives exemplify a proactive approach toward harnessing the transformative potential of AI while upholding safety, security, and trustworthiness standards. With continued collaboration and stakeholder engagement, these efforts will pave the way for responsible innovation and technological advancement in AI.
Read more on the NIST Website.
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