WASHINGTON, Jan 20 (Reuters): On his first day back in office for a second term, U.S. President Donald Trump revoked Joe Biden’s October 2023 executive order that established safety standards for artificial intelligence (AI). The now-revoked order had aimed to mitigate the risks AI poses to consumers, workers, and national security while fostering responsible development in healthcare and beyond.
Biden’s Executive Order 14110 outlined key regulations, including:
- Safety Testing: Developers of advanced AI systems were required to share results of safety tests with the federal government before public release, under the Defense Production Act.
- Healthcare Standards: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was tasked with developing a safety program to ensure the responsible use of AI in healthcare and public health.
- Strategic AI Planning: The order included creating an HHS AI Task Force to promote responsible AI deployment, drive innovation, and address risks in drug safety, healthcare delivery, and clinical research.
The Biden administration’s efforts reflected growing concerns about generative AI, which can create realistic text, images, and videos but carries potential risks such as job displacement and misuse. Globally, nations are working to set regulatory frameworks, with the EU AI Act already in effect.
Trump’s Push for Innovation
The 2024 Republican Party platform opposed Biden’s order, claiming it stifled innovation. Trump’s executive order titled “Initial Recissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions” repealed Biden’s AI safety policies, along with 66 other executive orders and 11 presidential memoranda.
“To commence the policies that will make our Nation united, fair, safe, and prosperous again, it is the policy of the United States to restore common sense to the Federal Government and unleash the potential of the American citizen,” Trump’s order stated.
The Republican platform emphasized support for “AI development rooted in free speech and human flourishing.” Industry leaders and AI developers welcomed the move, citing concerns over excessive regulations hindering technological progress.
Energy Needs for AI Expansion
While revoking the AI safety order, Trump retained a separate Biden-issued executive order supporting the energy requirements of advanced AI data centers. This included federal support to lease sites owned by the Departments of Defense and Energy, addressing the surging energy demand from AI technologies.
The move aligns with the increasing use of generative AI in industries, where faster computing power and larger datasets require robust infrastructure.
AI in Healthcare: Lost Opportunities?
Biden’s executive order had envisioned AI-driven advances in healthcare, aiming to reduce administrative burdens, speed up drug development, and improve clinical diagnosis. It proposed launching the National AI Research Resource to support small developers and enhance system interoperability.
However, Trump’s revocation has left the healthcare sector questioning the future of standards for safe and ethical AI use. Stakeholders warn that without universal regulations, AI risks misleading patients, creating inequities, and increasing harm.
Global and Industry Implications
The revocation has sparked debate about America’s approach to AI innovation. Critics argue that deregulation could lead to unchecked AI misuse, while proponents highlight the potential for greater creativity and economic growth.
In contrast, other global entities like the EU continue to adopt stringent AI policies. Meanwhile, U.S. companies like Nvidia face export restrictions on AI chips under the Biden administration, a move criticized for limiting industry competitiveness.
As the AI landscape evolves, the balance between innovation and regulation remains a contentious issue, shaping the future of technology in the U.S. and beyond.
