Leading the World in Ethical AI to Safeguard Humanity: The Biden-Harris Administration’s Call for Global Cooperation on AI Governance
The President of The United States of America’s Statement on AI Regulation
On October 9, 2024, I received a direct response from the White House, signed by President Joe Biden, addressing concerns surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and its governance. This communication serves as a pivotal acknowledgment of the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to not only advancing AI but also ensuring its responsible and ethical use.
Correspondence from The White House, Washington, October 9, 2024:
Dear Mr. Bihan-Poudec,
Thank you for writing to me about artificial intelligence (AI). My Administration is committed to ensuring that the enormous opportunities of AI are harnessed in ways that protect your rights and keep us all safe.
Last year, I secured the commitment of leading AI companies to develop safe, secure, and trustworthy AI technologies. This means considerable testing and risk assessment before new systems are released. It also means earning public trust by labeling AI-generated content so you know whether something you’re looking at is real or not and can make informed decisions. And it means strengthening privacy protections, preventing discrimination, and shielding children from harm.
These commitments build upon the actions my Administration has taken to ensure this powerful technology is rolled out in ways that benefit our whole society. I signed an Executive Order that directs my Cabinet to root out bias in the design and use of AI. We created a new strategy for funding responsible AI research and development so that Americans can drive breakthroughs in AI. And I proposed an AI Bill of Rights—a blueprint for building AI systems that reflect our values—which you can read more about at www.WhiteHouse.gov/ostp/ai-bill-of-rights.
As we look to the future, we must come together here at home and abroad to responsibly regulate the development of AI. We have to get it right so we can tap into the enormous upside of AI for all Americans and people around the globe while ensuring appropriate safeguards to protect against potential harms.
Sincerely,
Joe Biden
President Biden’s Letter: A Vision for AI Governance
President Biden's response reaffirmed the administration’s ongoing focus on harnessing AI’s immense opportunities while ensuring the protection of citizens' rights. He stressed that his administration had secured commitments from leading AI companies to develop safe, trustworthy AI technologies. This includes rigorous testing, risk assessments, and public labeling of AI-generated content so individuals can easily distinguish between real and synthetic information. These steps are essential to building public trust and preventing misinformation.
The President also highlighted the AI Bill of Rights, an initiative designed to set standards for building AI systems that reflect core societal values such as privacy, fairness, and safety, especially for vulnerable populations like children. This bill is a significant step toward securing public trust in AI while preventing potential abuses and discrimination.
Additionally, Biden’s emphasis on international cooperation in regulating AI highlights the United States' role as a leader in AI development. His call for global unity reinforces that AI regulation is not just a domestic issue but a worldwide concern that requires collaboration between nations to safeguard humanity.
My Response: Aligning with the President's Vision
In my response to President Biden, I expressed my deep appreciation for the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to AI governance. I commended the AI Bill of Rights for addressing critical issues such as bias elimination, privacy protection, and fairness in AI development. These steps, along with ensuring transparency in AI-generated content, are crucial for building public trust and fostering equitable technological progress.
I also echoed the President’s call for international collaboration in regulating AI. The immense benefits of AI must be balanced against its potential risks, which, if left unchecked, could disproportionately affect marginalized groups or exacerbate global inequalities. The U.S., as a leader in AI development, has a responsibility to not only foster innovation but also protect the world from the potential harms posed by AI in the hands of a few powerful entities.
Furthermore, I emphasized that the upcoming election presents a pivotal moment for AI governance. The choices made in the next few weeks will determine the direction of AI regulation for years to come. President Biden’s proactive stance on this issue gives me hope that under his leadership, and with continued efforts from advocates, we can steer AI toward being a force for good.
My Official Response to President Joe Biden, October 10, 2024:
Dear President Biden,
Thank you for your thoughtful and encouraging response regarding the efforts of the Biden-Harris administration on artificial intelligence (AI) governance. I deeply appreciate your continued commitment to ensuring that AI is developed in a safe, secure, and equitable manner, particularly through the proposal of an AI Bill of Rights. This forward-looking initiative is a crucial step toward creating AI systems that reflect our values, safeguard privacy, and are free from biases. Your administration's leadership on this issue is a powerful signal, not only within the United States but across the globe, given the country's pivotal role in AI innovation and its position as a global leader.
Your vision for international cooperation on AI regulation is especially commendable. As you noted, AI presents enormous opportunities, but without robust regulation and oversight, the risks it poses—particularly in the hands of a few—are considerable. The development and implementation of these technologies must align with our human rights and shared values to ensure that AI benefits all people, and that its use protects the safety and dignity of humanity, especially as we move closer to a world where AI is integrated into every facet of society.
It is imperative that the U.S. government plays a key role not only in fostering AI innovation but also in ensuring that the workforce, privacy, and civil rights are protected as AI continues to evolve. Your administration’s proactive approach in establishing safeguards, such as risk assessments, labeling AI-generated content, and prioritizing bias elimination, is crucial. These measures, coupled with your leadership in rallying international support for responsible AI governance, will ensure that AI contributes positively to society rather than exacerbating inequalities or causing harm.
Additionally, the AI Bill of Rights and your administration's efforts to regulate AI reflect the essence of protecting human values. It's important that the U.S. continues to lead by example in AI governance, ensuring not only that we prevent potential disasters—such as those anticipated by legislative proposals like SB 1047—but also that we intervene decisively should AI systems grow beyond human control. As the election approaches, it is vital that we maintain momentum on these initiatives, as they represent a positive and ethical future for AI governance under your leadership.
Once again, thank you for your dedication to this issue. Your efforts give me optimism for the future of AI regulation, and I am confident that under your administration, we will continue to make strides toward ensuring that AI is harnessed to improve lives while safeguarding against its risks.
Sincerely,
Kevin Bihan-Poudec
Voice For Change Foundation
Advocate for Ethical AI and Workforce Preservation
Conclusion: A Safe Future with AI Under Kamala Harris' Leadership
President Biden’s vision for AI governance is clear: a future where AI is developed responsibly, ethically, and transparently. His administration has taken the necessary steps to protect public safety and uphold human dignity in the face of rapidly advancing AI technologies. As we look toward the future, it is imperative that we continue to support leaders who share these values.
As the election approaches, it’s important to recognize that a vote for Kamala Harris is a vote for the continuation of this responsible, values-driven approach to AI governance. Harris, who has been instrumental in the administration’s efforts on AI, will uphold the same principles as President Biden, ensuring that AI is regulated not only to protect democratic values but also to safeguard humanity from potential risks. Her leadership will guide the country in the right direction, ensuring that AI's development reflects our collective human rights and values.
In these critical times, it’s crucial to choose leadership that prioritizes safety, fairness, and transparency in the development of technologies that will shape our future. A Harris administration would undoubtedly carry forward these ideals and ensure that the United States remains a global leader in responsible AI governance.
