“Social media has already shown us the harm that powerful technology can do without the right safeguards in place,” Biden said. “I’d like to hear more from this group because I have a lot to learn. And we also have a lot to discuss.
“It was really encouraging to me that he cares this much about it and sees how impactful [it is] and how it simply can’t just be left to a handful of really large companies,” he said. Microsoft, Google, OpenAI and other major tech companies are rushing to develop AI tools and push them out to millions of people. The companiesin Washington and to other governments around the world, suggesting potential regulation while stressing the importance of allowing them to continue to develop the tech. Critics have warned that the companies are focused on profit and are trying to head-off strict government controls, or have a hand in shaping them to their own benefit.
The White House is keen to indicate that it is taking the boom in AI and its risks seriously. In May, the president hosted the chief executives of OpenAI, Microsoft and Google for a “” about the tech. The government also put out an “AI bill of rights,” laying out guidelines for how federal agencies should use AI. And the National Science Foundation has allocated new funding for AI research.
Before the meeting, Biden announced that Vice President Harris will be holding a follow-up session on AI next month with civil rights leaders and consumer advocates.