As President Joe Biden approaches the conclusion of his tenure in office, he is set to leave behind a significant legacy in technological policy, particularly in relation to artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure. Industry professionals have characterised his approach as “proactive,” “nuanced,” and “effective,” indicating a strategy that aims to address long-standing challenges while fostering innovation.
Upon taking office in January 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Biden was confronted with an economy in distress and a persistent digital divide affecting access to technology. As he prepares to vacate the White House, federal agencies are working diligently to implement principles from the recently enacted 2023 AI Bill of Rights, a document anticipated to shape the landscape of American technology and its intersection with daily life.
Among Biden’s notable initiatives is his dedicated effort to bridge the digital divide. Suriel Arellano, a consultant and author on digital transformation, emphasised the importance of Biden’s work towards ensuring internet access for all, particularly in rural areas, as a crucial element of his legacy. This objective was enshrined in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, which allocated $65 billion aimed at enhancing broadband capabilities. As of September this year, over 2.4 million previously unserved homes and businesses have been connected to the internet, with an additional $50 billion distributed to various grant programmes.
Despite the achievements, Arellano believes further progress is necessary, stating, “I think that should have come first,” regarding the focus on physical broadband infrastructure. Nevertheless, he views the effort to close the digital divide as a strong aspect of Biden’s legacy.
Biden's administration has also focused on establishing a responsible framework for AI usage. The 2023 AI Bill of Rights introduced the White House AI Council, with guidelines concerning privacy, workforce protections, and equitable AI deployment. Alex Shahrestani, an attorney specialising in tech policy, remarked that while the guidelines may not have an immediate impact on the average consumer, they serve to prepare larger companies for future compliance in various contexts.
“It's a light touch that sets up the groundwork for regulation without provoking pushback from providers,” Shahrestani noted. Meanwhile, Sheena Franklin, a lobbyist-turned-entrepreneur, highlighted the ethical framework advocated by Biden, aimed at fostering public trust and safety in AI technology.
Despite the positive reception of Biden’s AI initiatives, speculation exists regarding potential shifts in policy under a future administration. Both Franklin and Shahrestani acknowledge that President-elect Donald Trump could potentially reverse some of Biden's executive actions, although they contend that the generalised approach of the AI Bill of Rights could maintain its relevance.
Another pillar of Biden's technology policy is the CHIPS and Science Act, enacted in 2022 to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing. This legislation, entailing a $53 billion investment, aims to reinforce supply chains and support innovation while prioritising underrepresented communities. Two years post-enactment, significant progress has been observed, with the federal government and American companies collaborating to fund semiconductor projects that have already led to the creation of over 100,000 jobs.
Franklin underscored this initiative as vital for positioning the United States as a global technology leader. The act also carries implications for AI development, as advances in semiconductor manufacturing promise to enhance computing capabilities critical for the growth of sophisticated AI technologies.
Concerns persist within the Big Tech sector, as some view the AI Bill of Rights and various antitrust lawsuits as potential obstacles to innovation. Arellano expressed cautious optimism about future technological advances, suggesting that a regulatory recalibration could foster more extensive innovation while still safeguarding public interests.
As Biden's presidency draws to a close, Franklin speculates that any last-minute actions concerning tech policy may focus on further antitrust measures aligned with his longstanding focus on consumer protection and competitive markets. In summation, she described Biden’s technology legacy as “thoughtful and proactive,” reflecting an intent to address diverse stakeholder concerns, not merely those of tech giants or consumers, but balancing the interests of all parties involved in the evolving technological landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services