President Trump delayed signing an executive order regarding government surveillance of AI, CNN reported, saying he “didn’t like certain aspects”. Originally, the order would have required AI companies to share their advanced models with the government before launch to ensure their security, but it was later watered down to make tech companies’ participation voluntary.
The delay is believed to be due to last-minute pressure from AI industry leaders including Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, as well as former US AI and crypto czar David Sacks. They told Trump that the new system could slow the development of AI technology that has become an integral part of the U.S. economy, anonymous insiders said. The Washington Post. The decision came after the White House had already sent out invitations to tech leaders for a signing ceremony that will take place yesterday afternoon.
Speaking about AI technological advancements, Trump said, “I really thought (the bill) could have been a blocker, and I want to make sure that it’s not.” The president has not yet said how or if the bill might be amended or when it will be signed.
So far, the White House has taken a hands-off approach to AI. “We have to grow this baby (AI) and let it flourish. We can’t stop it. We can’t stop it with politics… (and) stupid rules and even stupid rules,” Trump said at an event last July.
However, the president may have changed course following a backlash from voters concerned about job losses and high electricity bills. Another factor could be the Anthropic Myth, a model designed to detect cybersecurity vulnerabilities faster than any human. Supporters of the bill said that without oversight, state actors could weaponize this technology and turn it against the United States.
The White House had prepared a draft executive order that balanced industry concerns and public safety. It calls on companies to submit their models 90 days before their public release, with participation strictly voluntary. That wasn’t enough, however, for figures like Sacks and Musk, who warned that the EO could still have a chilling effect on the technology.
White House officials were reportedly surprised by the delay, especially since Sacks had previously said he could agree to the order. The bill will likely be further reviewed, according to the WaPosources, but it is unclear when a new project will emerge.
