Ilon Musk and Donald Trump // Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
The executive order called for a system in which companies would provide the government with additional information about innovations 90 days before release to test models for hazards
According to RBC with reference to The Washington Post, industry experts warned the head of state that the new system could slow down the development of the technology that underpins the American economy. Despite the fact that the White House has already sent out an invitation to the heads of leading IT companies to the signing ceremony, Trump did not sign the decree.
Hours before the ceremony, Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, said he canceled the signing because he “didn’t like” the draft of the executive order.
“I really thought it might be an obstacle. And I want to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Trump said, noting the benefits of AI to the US economy.
Concerns remain
The issue of regulating artificial intelligence has divided Trump’s allies and his administration especially since a new generation of models have shown the ability to identify vulnerabilities in computer code and exploit them, WP notes.
Musk, Saks and major AI development companies are key political backers that could play a central role in future Republican Party fundraisers. However, voters are increasingly concerned that AI will cut jobs and raise energy costs.
Through lengthy discussions, Washington has come up with a draft executive order that balances safety concerns with the needs of the industry.
The order called for a system in which companies would provide the government with additional information about innovations 90 days before release to test models for hazards, identify vulnerabilities and prepare defenses before hackers attack.
However, Sachs and IT executives pointed out that although the system is voluntary, it could lead to a mandatory regime in which companies must obtain government authorization to launch such systems.
