The Register: Prepare for an AI policy upending under Trump, say experts

Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/11/21/ai_policy_trump/
Source: The Register
Title: Prepare for an AI policy upending under Trump, say experts

Feedly Summary: Biden executive orders are as good as dead, and the industry will probably have more say in what comes next
Analysis President Biden has taken some steps to create a concrete AI policy in the United States. However, while there’s plenty to argue about in terms of how effective the administration’s moves have been, experts The Register spoke to agree that there are likely to be more big changes once Donald Trump begins his second term.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: The text discusses the impending changes to AI policy in the United States under a potential Trump administration. It highlights the likelihood of rolling back current AI regulations established by the Biden administration while noting the importance of the industry’s role in self-regulation. The focus is on the evolving landscape of AI governance and implications for security and compliance.

Detailed Description:
The provided text analyzes the anticipated shifts in AI policy in the U.S. as a result of a second Trump administration, emphasizing the implications for industry regulation and national security. Key points include:

– **Biden’s AI Executive Order**: There is consensus among experts that Trump will likely repeal the 2023 AI executive order, which was a significant directive from the Biden administration.
– **AI Safety Institute**: Despite potential rollbacks, the establishment of the AI Safety Institute at NIST may remain, as it is seen positively by many in the industry.
– **National Security Memorandum (NSM)**: The NSM, which encompasses important national security considerations regarding AI, is expected to survive due to bipartisan support, especially on themes like chip production and export controls.
– **Regulatory Environments**: Experts predict that the Trump administration will favor a hands-off approach, putting more responsibility on the industry to develop AI standards, in contrast to the EU’s structured regulatory approach.
– **Market Dynamics**: There is a trend among enterprises, particularly in finance, to develop their own AI standards in the absence of strong federal regulation, which may lead to a more fragmented yet adaptive market.
– **Concerns About Smaller Companies**: The current regulations tend to favor larger players, leaving smaller firms at a disadvantage, which Tokarev Sela believes a Trump administration may alleviate.
– **State-Level Activities**: Analysts anticipate increased state-level regulatory efforts, especially from California, as state governments seek to protect local interests amid federal changes.
– **Impacts of Uncertain Governance**: The absence of decisive federal policies could lead to variations in how AI risks are managed, as companies may diverge in their approaches to security and compliance.

*Implications for security and compliance professionals:*
– Professionals should remain vigilant about regulatory changes under a new administration, as these can significantly impact compliance frameworks and risk management strategies.
– There may be opportunities for organizations to influence AI governance by establishing their own responsible AI practices and standards in the absence of federal regulation.
– Understanding the dynamics of state-level regulatory developments will be crucial for organizations operating in multiple jurisdictions, especially in environments like California, which may lead the way in AI governance.