Embracing AI: A Blueprint for Companies in Response to President Biden’s Executive Order

5 min readOct 31, 2023

Introduction

On October 30th, President Biden issued a long awaited Executive Order on AI. The Executive Order aims to address various aspects of AI development, deployment, and governance. The order covers a wide range of topics, including AI safety and security, privacy, equity and civil rights, and consumer protection.

And the Executive Order seeks to establish a comprehensive framework to ensure that AI benefits are maximized while mitigating associated risks and ethical concerns. The order requires companies that develop and use AI to take a number of steps, such as:

Developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure that AI systems are safe and secure.
Implementing privacy-preserving techniques in the development and use of AI systems.
Taking steps to mitigate the risks of bias and discrimination in AI systems.
Being transparent about AI practices.

As AI continues to advance and become more deeply integrated into our society, President Biden’s Executive Order represents a significant shift in recognizing the profound significance and impact of AI on our world. It underscores the imperative for the United States to establish a comprehensive governance framework that ensures the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.

In light of this directive, it is imperative for companies to embrace a strategic and forward-thinking approach that aligns with these emerging priorities. This article outlines recommended actions that companies can and should consider taking in response to this directive.

Acknowledging the Significance

The first step in responding to the Executive Order is acknowledging its significance. This order reflects the growing recognition of AI’s transformative power and its potential risks. It serves as a call to action for companies to take AI ethics and responsible innovation seriously.

Short-Term Actions

In the short term, companies can take the following steps to comply with the new Executive Order on AI:

Compliance Assessment: Start by conducting a comprehensive assessment of your AI practices to ensure compliance with the new standards outlined in the Executive Order. Identify areas where your AI systems may have implications for national security, economic security, or public safety.
Data Privacy and Security: Prioritize data privacy and security. Review your data handling practices, enhance cybersecurity measures, and update privacy policies to align with the heightened focus on AI safety and security.
Ethical AI Practices: Implement ethical AI practices immediately. Assess your AI algorithms for bias, transparency, and accountability. Ensure that AI systems are designed to be fair and just, particularly in areas like justice, healthcare, and housing.
Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders (e.g., employees, customers, vendors, investors) regarding your development and use of AI…transparently. Communicate your commitment to responsible AI use, address concerns, and seek feedback.

Long-Term Actions

And in the long term, companies should consider the following actions:

Ethical AI Governance: Develop a comprehensive AI governance framework that aligns with the principles outlined in the Executive Order. This framework should cover roles, responsibilities, auditing, and accountability for ethical AI practices.
Innovation and Research: Invest in long-term AI innovation and research efforts. Stay at the forefront of AI development by dedicating resources to R&D, collaborating with industry peers, and participating in the development of AI standards.
Environmental Responsibility: Address the environmental impact of AI in the long term. Evaluate ways to make AI processes more energy-efficient and sustainable, considering the environmental footprint of AI infrastructure.
Regulatory Awareness: Stay informed about evolving AI regulations and participate in discussions to shape the regulatory landscape.
Talent Pipeline Development: Foster a talent pipeline for AI professionals. Collaborate with educational institutions and offer AI internships and programs to ensure a steady supply of skilled AI talent
Collaborative Partnerships: Seek collaborative partnerships with other organizations and governmental bodies. Collaborate on AI research, development, and the establishment of industry-specific AI standards. Collective efforts can shape responsible AI adoption.

The Executive Order on AI represents a pivotal moment in the AI landscape, calling for companies to embrace AI ethics, data privacy, and security with a renewed commitment. By responding thoughtfully and strategically, companies can navigate the evolving AI governance landscape effectively while contributing to the responsible and trustworthy development of AI technologies in the United States.

Other Points of Consideration

Companies should also take the following points under consideration in their planning:

The Executive Order is a living document. It is likely to be updated and amended over time as new technologies emerge and new risks are identified. Companies should stay up-to-date on the latest developments and be prepared to adjust their AI practices accordingly.
The Executive Order is part of a global trend towards regulating AI. Other countries and regions are also developing their own AI regulations. Companies should be aware of these developments and ensure that their AI practices comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Responsible AI development is not just a compliance issue. It is also a good business practice. Companies that develop and use AI in a responsible and ethical manner are more likely to build trust with their customers and employees, and they are more likely to be successful in the long term.

Here are some additional tips for companies that are developing and using AI:

Establish an AI Council responsible for staying current on policy and developing AI systems that are aligned with your company’s values and mission.
Be transparent about your AI practices and be open to feedback.
Be committed to continuous learning and improvement.

By following these tips, companies can develop and use AI in a current, global, and responsible manner that benefits all stakeholders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, President Biden’s Executive Order on AI is a significant milestone in recognizing the transformative impact of AI and the need for responsible AI development. Companies should take immediate steps to assess compliance, enhance data privacy and security, and implement ethical AI practices.

Looking ahead, long-term strategies involve developing comprehensive AI governance frameworks, investing in innovation, addressing environmental concerns, staying informed about evolving regulations, nurturing AI talent, and fostering collaborative partnerships.

This dynamic landscape calls for continuous adaptation as AI regulations evolve globally. Embracing responsible AI isn’t just a compliance necessity but a strategic advantage for building trust and long-term success. By following these guidelines, companies can navigate the evolving AI governance landscape effectively and contribute to responsible AI development.

About the Authors

Ronald (Ron) Berry is a Co-Founder of Artificially Digital. Ron has extensive global experience and success in the B2B and B2C digital transformation spaces in a variety of industries ranging in size from startups to the Fortune 100.

Dr. Shams Syed a Co-Founder of Artificially Digital. Dr. Syed has extensive experience in software development, particularly in the artificial intelligence (AI) space for several innovative startups. Dr. Syed is renowned for his research, contributions, and publications in essential programming techniques, machine learning, computer vision, algorithm optimizations, and natural language processing. Dr. Syed holds a PhD in computer science from University of South Carolina.

Contact info@artificiallydigital.com for more information.