The Impact of Trump’s Victory on AI Regulation: A New Era
The 2024 US presidential election has come to a close, with Donald Trump securing the presidency. As Republicans gain control of the Senate and possibly the House, Trump’s allies are poised to bring significant changes to the government’s highest levels. One industry that will feel the effects acutely is artificial intelligence (AI), which has largely opposed federal policymaking ¹.
Biden’s AI Policy Framework: A Target for Trump
Trump has vowed to dismantle Biden’s AI policy framework, implemented through the AI Executive Order in October 2023. This framework addresses various aspects of AI, including advancing AI in healthcare and mitigating IP theft risks. Two key provisions have sparked controversy among Republicans: AI’s security risks and real-world safety impacts. These provisions require companies developing powerful AI models to report their training and security measures and provide test results to identify model vulnerabilities.
Criticism and Concerns
Critics argue that these reporting requirements are excessive and force companies to disclose trade secrets. Some Republicans have equated NIST’s work on AI with censorship of conservative speech, accusing the Biden administration of attempting to steer AI development with liberal notions about disinformation and bias.
Replacing the AI Executive Order
Trump’s plans for replacing Biden’s AI EO are unclear, but his previous executive orders suggest a focus on national AI research institutes and promoting AI R&D. Some Republicans want NIST to focus on AI’s physical safety risks, but this may jeopardize portions of NIST’s guidance.
State-Led Efforts and Global Implications
In the absence of federal regulation, state governments may fill the void. Tennessee, Colorado, and California have already passed AI-related legislation. Trump’s protectionist policies could also impact AI regulation, with potential tighter export controls on China and tariffs on AI-related tech.
Expert Insights
Sarah Kreps, a political scientist, doesn’t expect major AI regulation from the White House in the next four years. Dean Ball, a research fellow, agrees that Trump’s victory likely means a light-touch regulatory regime. Hamid Ekbia warns that Trump’s policies could have significant geopolitical ramifications, enabling authoritarian uses of AI globally.
The Future of AI Governance
As the AI landscape evolves, regulators must prioritize cooperation and address the dangers of AI, regardless of political affiliations. Sandra Wachter urges regulators to work together to find global solutions, recognizing that AI’s risks and harms transcend party lines and geography.
