France Has Appointed a Secretary of State for AI, Why Can’t the U.S.?
New government: A State Secretariat for Artificial Intelligence, but for what purpose?
Clara Chappaz, former director of the French Tech mission, is entrusted with a portfolio that includes Digital Affairs, and for the first time, Artificial Intelligence. However, it ranks at the very bottom in terms of protocol.
By Jila Varoquier
September 22, 2024, at 4:24 PM
Clara Chappaz (pictured here in February 2023), who previously worked for Vestiaire Collective, is the new State Secretary in charge of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs.
On September 21, 2024, France made a bold and forward-thinking move by appointing Clara Chappaz as the country’s first Secretary of State for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs. This historic appointment signals France’s commitment to the ethical governance and strategic development of AI, setting a global example of how to prepare for the future in a world increasingly shaped by advanced technologies.
As AI continues to transform industries, governments, and societies, this French decision begs the question: Why can’t the United States do the same?
The Importance of an AI-Focused Leader
France’s appointment of Clara Chappaz is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a clear recognition of the growing impact of artificial intelligence on all sectors of life. By creating a dedicated office at the ministerial level, France is ensuring that AI’s potential is not just harnessed for economic growth, but also managed with regard to ethics, regulation, and societal impact.
Chappaz’s new role will oversee not only the regulatory framework for AI, but also how digital technologies interact with the broader goals of French society, including economic sustainability and innovation. This approach is proactive, forward-looking, and sets a global benchmark for responsible AI governance. With AI shaping everything from healthcare to transportation to national security, this kind of focused leadership is essential.
Where Is the U.S. Leadership on AI?
In contrast, the United States—a global leader in technological innovation—has yet to create a similar position or office specifically dedicated to artificial intelligence policy and oversight. Despite the incredible influence of AI on U.S. businesses, its role in everyday life, and its far-reaching consequences for the labor market, the U.S. government has failed to appoint a dedicated AI leader at the federal level.
To be clear, the U.S. has made strides in AI. Initiatives like the National AI Initiative Act of 2020 and the establishment of the National AI Research Resource Task Force are important steps. But these efforts are fragmented across agencies, with no single authority responsible for shaping AI policy, setting guidelines for ethical implementation, or coordinating a national strategy to ensure the U.S. stays competitive while protecting its workforce and values.
What France Understands That the U.S. Overlooks
France’s decision to centralize AI leadership under a dedicated Secretary of State shows an understanding of the critical need for unified governance. Here’s why this matters:
Unified Strategy: AI touches every sector—from healthcare to finance, education to national defense. A dedicated leader can create a cohesive national strategy that addresses both economic opportunities and ethical concerns.
Regulation and Innovation: Having a central AI authority means France can set policies that balance innovation with regulation, ensuring that AI is used to benefit society while avoiding risks like data privacy violations, job displacement, and biased algorithms.
Global Competitiveness: Countries like China and France are rapidly advancing in the AI space, investing heavily in both research and regulation. The U.S. risks falling behind by not having a dedicated leader who can push a coherent, long-term vision for AI.
Ethics and Public Trust: AI’s potential to upend the labor market and impact democratic processes means that the public needs to trust how it’s being implemented. France’s approach acknowledges this, aiming to build public trust through a transparent and accountable AI strategy.
The Stakes for the U.S.
The U.S. is at a critical juncture in its AI development. While American companies like OpenAI, Google, and Tesla lead the world in AI innovation, the lack of cohesive governance leaves room for unchecked developments that could harm both the U.S. economy and its workforce.
For example, the widespread use of AI in automating jobs poses a significant threat to millions of workers across industries. Without proper regulation or a comprehensive retraining strategy, AI could exacerbate inequality and lead to massive job displacement—an issue France seems more prepared to handle with the appointment of Clara Chappaz.
Moreover, the role of AI in influencing political discourse and decision-making—such as through social media algorithms—cannot be ignored. AI-driven platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and others have played significant roles in shaping public opinion, raising concerns about algorithmic transparency and manipulation of information. France, with its AI leadership, is better positioned to address these challenges head-on.
What the U.S. Should Do Next
It’s time for the U.S. to take inspiration from France’s decision and appoint its own Secretary of State for AI and Digital Affairs. Here’s why:
Centralized Leadership: A single AI leader could oversee the ethical development of AI, ensuring that innovation is balanced with privacy, security, and public welfare.
Job Preservation: With the U.S. facing potential mass job displacement due to AI, a national strategy for workforce retraining and upskilling is essential. A dedicated AI leader could ensure that federal policies include worker protections and educational programs to adapt to an AI-driven economy.
Public Accountability: By creating a clear, accountable position, the government can rebuild public trust in AI and digital technologies, ensuring that these innovations work for the common good.
Global AI Leadership: To remain competitive on the global stage, the U.S. needs a unified national AI strategy. A central AI office would allow the U.S. to lead in ethical AI standards, international collaboration, and regulatory innovation.
Conclusion: The U.S. Must Act Now
The appointment of Clara Chappaz as France’s Secretary of State for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs is a wake-up call for the U.S. As AI continues to reshape industries, governments, and societies, America needs a dedicated AI leader to guide the nation through these complex and rapidly evolving challenges.
While the U.S. has laid the groundwork for AI innovation, it’s time to take the next step by appointing a Secretary of State for AI, someone who can craft a cohesive, national vision for AI governance that benefits both the economy and the public.
The future of AI is global, and if the U.S. wants to remain a leader, it needs to follow France’s example and take decisive action—before it’s too late.
