As President Joe Biden prepares to conclude his term in office, technologists from various sectors are reflecting on the lasting impact of his approach to technology policy, which has been characterised as "proactive," "nuanced," and "effective." The Louisiana Illuminator reports that Biden's presidency began during a tumultuous time for the tech industry marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and a notable digital divide within the United States. As he prepares to leave, the administration is focusing on the implementation of principles outlined in the 2023 AI Bill of Rights, aimed at addressing the ongoing evolution of technology and its implications for American society.
One of the significant elements of Biden’s legacy, according to Suriel Arellano, a digital transformation consultant, is his commitment to increasing internet access for all Americans. This initiative was encapsulated in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, which allocated $65 billion for broadband internet expansion, particularly to underserved rural communities. As of September, over 2.4 million previously unconnected homes and businesses have gained internet access, with additional funding directed towards state grant programmes aimed at fostering connectivity. Arellano highlighted that while there remains work to fully realise this initiative, it stands as a substantial achievement of Biden's administration.
During Biden’s term, the national dialogue around artificial intelligence (AI) evolved significantly, culminating in the establishment of the White House AI Council and the framework outlined in the AI Bill of Rights. The legislation sets forth guidelines aimed at ensuring privacy protection, job security for AI workers, and equity in AI utilisation, although, as noted by Alex Shahrestani, an attorney and managing partner at Promise Legal, these measures may not be immediately perceived by the general public. Shahrestani explained that the guidelines were designed to create a regulatory framework that would be palatable to AI providers and would facilitate broader compliance within the industry.
In addition, Biden’s administration has seen federal agencies begin to release guidelines in accordance with the AI Bill of Rights, including directives from the Department of Labor and the Office of Management and Budget regarding the responsible acquisition of AI technologies. The implications of these regulations are likely to trickle down from larger government contractors to smaller businesses and direct consumer applications.
The Biden administration's emphasis on ethical AI development has contributed to a growing public trust, as noted by Sheena Franklin, founder of K’ept Health. Both Franklin and Shahrestani expressed concern that the incoming administration under President-elect Donald Trump may seek to repeal certain executive orders related to AI but acknowledged that the Bill of Rights offers a relatively gentle regulatory framework.
Another cornerstone of Biden’s tech legacy lies in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which aimed to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing through a substantial investment of $53 billion. Franklin posited that this act positions the U.S. for future technological leadership by prioritising workforce development and community investments, which has already created over 100,000 jobs since its enactment. The goal is to increase U.S. semiconductor production from 10% to 30% of the global market by 2032, thereby addressing crucial supply chain vulnerabilities that were exposed during the pandemic.
The ramifications of this legislation are significant for advanced computing and AI technologies, as indicated by Shahrestani. The improved semiconductor capabilities will enhance the computing power necessary for developing sophisticated AI models, which he noted had previously been constrained by technological limitations.
However, some within the technology sector regard Biden's approach as a hindrance to innovation, particularly concerning the AI Bill of Rights and antitrust actions against major technology firms. Arellano articulated a belief in the potential for a more favourable environment for technological advancement under a less regulatory administration. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the importance of some protective regulations for public privacy.
With just two months remaining in his presidency, speculation abounds regarding whether Biden will pursue any last-minute technology policies, particularly in the domain of antitrust law, in an effort to further enhance competition among startups and safeguard consumer rights. Franklin summarised her assessment of Biden’s tech legacy with two defining terms: “thoughtful and proactive," highlighting his focus on balancing the interests of both the public and the tech industry throughout his term.
Source: Noah Wire Services