American AI Initiative (E.O. 13859)

Summary

Creates a national plan to keep the United States as the world leader in Artificial Intelligence by boosting research, training workers, and setting rules.

What problem does this solve?

The United States risks losing its top position in Artificial Intelligence to other countries, which could harm the nation's economy and safety. This order creates a coordinated government plan to boost AI research, train workers, and protect American technology to stay ahead.

What does this order do?

Establishes the American AI Initiative

Creates a coordinated national strategy to speed up AI research and use across the government, private companies, and schools.

Prioritizes AI research and development funding

Directs federal agencies to make AI research a top priority when planning their budgets for 2020 and beyond.

Increases access to federal data for AI research

Requires government agencies to make their data, models, and computing resources more available to researchers to help develop new AI.

Develops guidance for AI regulations

Tasks the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) with creating rules for how government agencies should handle AI technologies to support new ideas while protecting people.

Creates a plan for AI technical standards

Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to create a plan for the government to help develop standards for safe and reliable AI systems.

Promotes AI education and workforce training

Encourages agencies to support AI-focused fellowships, skills programs, and STEM education to prepare American workers for future jobs.

Creates an action plan to protect U.S. AI technology

Requires the development of a plan to protect America's lead in AI from being acquired by competing countries.

Who does this affect?

Federal agencies
AI researchers and developers
Technology companies

What is the real world impact?

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Promotes economic growth and national security

Aims to keep the U.S. economy strong and the nation safe by ensuring America remains the world leader in creating and using AI technology.

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Keeps up with global competition

Creates a national strategy to protect America's technological edge in AI from being taken by competing or unfriendly nations.

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Balances innovation with public trust

Encourages the fast development of AI while also creating rules to protect people's privacy and rights, which some may feel is not enough to prevent misuse.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately on February 11, 2019, and sets several deadlines for federal agencies.

Public comment on data access

Within 90 days, the public will be invited to request access to federal data that could help with AI research.

AI education recommendations

Within 90 days, a committee must provide recommendations for AI-related education and workforce training.

Action plan to protect U.S. AI

Within 120 days, an action plan to protect the U.S. advantage in AI must be given to the President.

Guidance for AI regulations

Within 180 days, the OMB must issue a memo to guide agencies on how to regulate AI applications.

Plan for AI technical standards

Within 180 days, NIST must issue a plan for federal involvement in developing technical standards for AI.