In a significant policy shift, U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked a 2023 executive order signed by former President Joe Biden aimed at mitigating the risks associated with artificial intelligence. The order mandated that developers of AI systems, which could potentially threaten national security, the economy, or public health, share safety test results with the U.S. government prior to public release.
Biden's executive order was a response to growing concerns over the unchecked development of AI technologies, particularly as Congress has struggled to enact comprehensive legislation to regulate the sector. The order also called for federal agencies to establish testing standards and address various risks, including those related to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and cybersecurity threats.
The revocation comes at a time when generative AI technologies, capable of producing text, images, and videos, are generating both excitement and apprehension regarding their potential impact on employment and societal norms.
In a related move, Biden had issued a separate executive order to bolster federal support for the energy demands of advanced AI data centers, which Trump did not repeal. This order, signed on January 14, 2025, aims to ensure the U.S. maintains its competitive edge in AI technology, crucial for national security and economic growth.
As the Trump administration takes shape, the future of these initiatives remains uncertain, raising questions about the direction of U.S. AI policy and its implications for innovation and security.