AI Simplified: How Biden's Executive Order Affects You and Your Community

Have you seen this? Last night I read the fact sheet? about President Biden's new Executive Order about making Artificial Intelligence (AI) safe, secure, and trustworthy.? And I have to say, this is a groundbreaking move – here’s why.

?This? comprehensive Executive Order President Biden issued is aimed at ensuring the United States leads the way in the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI).

The fact sheet on President Biden's Executive Order provides a thorough and detailed overview of the U.S. government's strategy to navigate the complexities of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It goes in-depth to cover a broad spectrum of issues related to AIincluding: safety, security, privacy, equity, civil rights, consumer protection, and innovation. The document reflects a comprehensive approach, aiming not only to address the potential risks associated with AI, but also to harness its benefits for the betterment of society. It emphasizes collaboration between various government departments and the private sector, showing a holistic strategy to ensure responsible innovation in AI.

Disclaimer:? I enlisted the help of ChatGPT to break down the intricate details of this factsheet, ensuring that it’s easily digestible and actionable for everyone.

How does this affect you and your community? Here’s everything you need to know, in simple terms.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions.

AI systems are designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. This includes things like understanding natural language, recognizing patterns, solving problems, and making decisions.

What Does the Executive Order Do?

1. Setting New Standards for AI Safety and Security:

• AI systems must be safe and secure. Companies developing powerful AI must share their safety test results with the U.S. government.
• New standards, tools, and tests will be developed to ensure AI safety.
• Protecting against the misuse of AI in areas like biological material engineering and fraud.

2. Protecting Privacy:

• AI has the potential to compromise privacy (see an example of how here) The Executive Order calls for the development of privacy-preserving techniques and strengthening privacy-preserving research and technologies.
• There will be a review on how agencies collect and use data, with strengthened privacy guidance.

3. Promoting Equity and Civil Rights:

• AI can sometimes be biased. The Executive Order aims to prevent AI from exacerbating discrimination and to ensure fairness in areas like housing, healthcare, and justice.

4. Standing Up for Consumers, Patients, and Students:

• Ensuring AI benefits consumers, protects workers, and transforms education in a responsible way.
• Advance the responsible use of AI in healthcare and the development of affordable and life-saving drugs. The Department of Health and Human Services will also establish a safety program to receive reports of—and act to remedy – harms or unsafe healthcare practices involving AI.?
• Shape AI’s potential to transform education by creating resources to support educators deploying AI-enabled educational tools, such as personalized tutoring in schools.

5. Encouraging Innovation and Competition:

• Supporting AI research, providing resources to small developers, and ensuring America remains a leader in AI innovation.

6. Strengthening International Collaboration:

• Working with other countries to promote safe and trustworthy AI development and use.

7. Responsible Government Use of AI:

• Ensuring the government uses AI in a way that is safe, ethical, and efficient.

What is Not Addressed?

1. Consent:

• How and when your consent is obtained for the use of AI systems that may impact you is not explicitly covered?

2. Identity Protection:

• Specific measures on how your identity will be protected in the face of AI technologies that can mimic or steal personal information are not detailed.

3. Data Security:

• While there is a focus on privacy, the specifics of how your data will be protected from breaches or misuse in the AI ecosystem are not thoroughly outlined.

Why Does This Matter to You?

AI is becoming a bigger part of our lives, from the apps on our phones to the services provided by businesses and the government.?

President Biden’s Executive Order on AI is a monumental stride towards responsible innovation. It aims to safeguard privacy, ensure equity, and promote the safe use of AI for all, while also fostering innovation and competition. However, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and advocate for transparency and security in how AI systems use our personal information.

Based on the Executive Order Fact Sheet provided, here are the top five things everyone should do to stay informed and proactive:

1. Understand the Basics of AI Safety and Security:

• Stay Informed: Make an effort to understand the basic concepts of AI, especially regarding its safety and security. The government is working on creating standards and tools to ensure the safe and secure development of AI technologies. Being informed will help you navigate and understand these changes as they happen.

2. Be Vigilant About Your Personal Privacy:

• Protect Your Data: Be aware that AI technologies can potentially compromise your privacy. Take steps to secure your personal information online, be cautious about sharing personal information, and utilize privacy settings on social media and other platforms.
• Support Privacy Legislation: Encourage your local representatives to support bipartisan data privacy legislation. This legislation aims to protect all citizens, especially children, from privacy risks associated with AI.
• Read the Forbes Article - Eight Things Women Should Know About Data Privacy And Protection In The Online World
• Watch King5 Interview on 'Our identity, our consent, our data': Women in tech seek stronger privacy protections for AI

3. Advocate for Equity and Civil Rights:

• Promote Fair AI Use: Support initiatives and policies that aim to prevent the use of AI in ways that could exacerbate discrimination or bias, particularly in sectors like housing, healthcare, and the criminal justice system.
• Access the tech policy advocacy training and be part of the conversation.

4. Be Aware of AI in the Workplace:

• Understand AI's Impact on Jobs: Recognize that AI is changing the nature of work and could lead to job displacement in certain industries. Stay informed about initiatives and programs that support workforce training and development in AI-related skills.
• Support Workers’ Rights: Advocate for policies and best practices that protect workers from the potential harms of AI, such as increased workplace surveillance or unfair labor practices.

5. Support Responsible AI Innovation and Leadership:

• Promote Ethical AI Development: Encourage the development of AI technologies that are ethical, secure, and beneficial for society. Support initiatives that aim to advance humanity and protect the world with AI while ensuring that the technology is developed and used responsibly.
• Engage in Global Collaboration: Recognize the global nature of AI challenges and opportunities. Support the national efforts to work with other nations and international organizations to create frameworks and standards for AI that prioritize safety, security, and ethical practices.

Top 5 Opportunities Where We Can All Work Together:

1. Developing Safety Standards and Testing: There is a significant opportunity for both the private sector and academia to collaborate with the government in establishing robust safety and security standards for AI systems. Industries can work together to share knowledge, conduct extensive red-team testing, and ensure that AI technologies are safe before public release.
2. Advancing Privacy-Preserving Techniques: Businesses, researchers, and the government can join forces to accelerate the development and implementation of cutting-edge AI technologies that prioritize user privacy. This includes the creation and adoption of cryptographic tools and other privacy-preserving technologies.
3. Promoting Equity and Combating Discrimination: There is a crucial need for collaboration in developing tools and practices that prevent algorithmic bias and discrimination. This involves sharing best practices, conducting joint research, and implementing policies that ensure fairness and equality across all sectors affected by AI.
4. Supporting Workers and Job Training: As AI continues to transform the workforce, there is a great opportunity for educational institutions, industry leaders, and government agencies to work together in providing training and support for workers. This includes developing new educational programs, job training initiatives, and policies that help workers adapt to the changing job landscape. Apply for Cloud and AI Scholarships. If you are interested to be part of the cloud scholarships drive to develop diverse capacity, reach out to be directly.
5. Fostering Innovation and Competition: To maintain leadership in AI innovation, there is a need for a collaborative effort to support research, provide resources to small developers and entrepreneurs, and ensure an open and competitive AI ecosystem. This includes joint research initiatives, shared resources, and policies that encourage innovation and competition.

So, what am I excited to about:

1. Engagement in Policy Development and Advocacy: I am genuinely thrilled about the opportunity to actively participate in shaping policies related to identity, consent, and data protection that span across Tech, Hollywood and Healthcare. Working alongside legislators and the Women in Cloud (WIC) leadership ecosystem provides a unique platform to advocate for responsible and ethical AI practices. This engagement ensures that the voices and concerns of diverse groups are considered, paving the way for more inclusive and secure digital environments.
2. Attending TEDx Talk with Michelle Pruitt: I am eagerly anticipating the TEDxCherryCreek Talk featuring Michelle Pruitt , where she will delve into strategies for navigating the AI revolution and fostering a diverse talent pool. This event presents a golden opportunity to gain insights on building workforce capacity and ensuring that underrepresented groups have the skills and resources they need to thrive in the AI-driven future.
3. Building Diverse Cloud and AI Workforce Capacity: I am invested in figure out funding and grant models to distributing Cloud and AI scholarships to 10,000 women across the globe. This is a monumental effort and reflects a commitment to education and empowerment, while fostering diversity and inclusivity within the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence. By providing women with the resources and education they need to excel in AI, we can help to break down barriers and create a more equitable workforce. The potential of these 10,000 women is boundless, and their future contributions to the field of AI will undoubtedly lead to innovative solutions and perspectives that will benefit us all. Apply to secure your AI Scholarship.
4. Promoting Inclusivity and Security in AI: Being a part of the policy development process and engaging with influential leaders and speakers fuels my passion for creating a more inclusive and secure AI ecosystem. I am excited about the potential to drive change, empower diverse talents, and contribute to building a safer, more equitable digital world for everyone.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the enormity of it all? Wondering where on earth to begin? Fear not! I've got your back with a handful of bite-sized actions you can start taking today. Trust me, even the smallest steps can lead to big changes over time. Let's embark on this journey together and make a lasting impact!

• Make a Pledge: Commit to actively participating in discussions and initiatives focused on promoting diversity and inclusion within the AI industry. Showcase your support for women in tech by advocating for equal opportunities and representation.
• Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the challenges and barriers that underrepresented communities will face. Understand the importance of diversity and inclusion, and how it leads to more innovative and effective solutions in AI.
• Amplify Voices: Utilize your platforms, whether on social media, blogs, or within your professional network, to share stories, achievements, and perspectives. Highlight scholarship opportunities and encourage eligible diverse communities to apply.
• Engage in Conversations: Actively participate in discussions, webinars, and forums that focus on diversity in tech and the distribution of AI scholarships. Share your insights, ask questions, and connect with like-minded individuals and organizations.
• Collaborate and Support: Seek opportunities to collaborate with organizations and initiatives that are dedicated to diversifying the AI workforce. Offer your skills, resources, or mentorship to support people, especially women pursuing careers in AI.
• Promote Inclusive Policies: Advocate for inclusive hiring practices and policies within your workplace or community. Encourage educational institutions and companies to support scholarship programs and initiatives aimed at women and underrepresented groups.
• Become a Mentor: Offer your guidance, knowledge, and support to people entering the field of AI. Share your experiences, provide advice, and help navigate the challenges of the tech industry.
• Continue Learning: Stay engaged with the ongoing conversation around diversity in AI and remain open to learning and adapting your views and actions. The landscape of tech is constantly evolving, and it's important to stay informed and proactive.
• Share Resources: Provide information on AI scholarship programs, educational resources, and career development opportunities to women in your network. Ensure that opportunities for growth and learning are accessible to all.

I encourage you all to not only read this article but to share it with your family, friends, and community members. Knowledge is power, and by spreading awareness, we can all play a role in navigating the future of AI together.

?? Feel free to drop any questions or thoughts in the comments. Let's spark a conversation and create a community of awareness and action!