In the year 2016, tariff man was indifferent to technology. The newly elected President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, recognized that the individuals behind America’s tech giants were wealthier and more intelligent than him, with differing values. They embraced transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law in global affairs. Furthermore, they generally supported an increase in skilled immigrant labor, open markets, and relatively unrestricted cross-border data flow. As a result, his first term was marked by disagreements with numerous tech giants, including Facebook and Amazon.
Despite the discord, both tech leaders and government officials shared a common worry: the rise of innovative tech companies in China. They viewed the increasing dominance of Chinese firms in data-driven technologies as a threat to America’s economic advancement and national security. The Trump Administration recognized the importance of protecting the competitiveness of data-driven sectors to restore America’s greatness. In February 2019, President Trump signed Executive Order (EO) 13859 on Maintaining American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence, establishing the American AI Initiative. This initiative aimed to concentrate federal resources on AI development to enhance national prosperity, security, and quality of life. Additionally, his administration established initial regulations for the U.S. government’s AI usage and governance, intending to counter China’s growing strength in key AI technologies by constraining access to essential AI components through the supply chain. These policies garnered silent approval from America’s diverse tech sector.
President Joe Biden reaffirmed this vision by introducing the AI Bill of Rights and issuing two executive orders on AI, while collaborating with other nations to mitigate AI risks and collectively govern AI. His administration made significant investments in chip factories, STEM education, and research to ensure American AI leadership. However, his administration also challenged the market dominance and business practices of tech giants, causing discontent in the venture capital and tech sectors.
Endeavors to promote reliable AI may be discontinued
Trustworthy AI refers to the development of AI in a manner that fosters public trust, protects privacy, civil rights, liberties, and American values. Donald Trump had previously signed an executive order outlining the foundational elements of trustworthy AI, focusing on ensuring the reliability, security, transparency, privacy, and fairness of AI models through strategies to mitigate biases.
Despite efforts to advance trustworthy AI, Donald Trump’s key donor and prominent tech figure, Elon Musk, is determined to limit AI regulation. Additionally, the Republican platform vowed to revoke Biden’s executive orders enhancing trustworthy AI, viewing them as impediments to innovation. Tech leaders may disagree on the implications of these executive orders, as they provided clarity on AI usage and governance.
Enhancing international efforts to ensure trustworthy, secure, and resilient AI
Elon Musk previously endorsed strategies to mitigate various AI risks, including establishing an AI Safety Institute, which was formed in 2023 through Biden’s executive order. The institute’s survival hinges on approval from Congress for legislation establishing its existence. While most tech CEOs support the AI Safety approach for its focus on testing and standards rather than mandates, divisions may arise among tech companies.
Reevaluation of business practices among data giants
Under the Trump administration, companies might have more liberty to merge and invest in smaller, innovative firms domestically and internationally, garnering support from tech leaders.
Expansion of efforts to restrict adversaries’ access to U.S. data
Trump’s directive on the AI supply chain addressing data flow restrictions and subsequent rules imposed in October 2024 signify an increase in limitations on data flow. While these restrictions aim to curtail access for adversaries, they also restrict data access, potentially impeding accurate datasets and digital solidarity.
Overall, the tech sector may face internal conflicts over various AI and data governance policies initiated by the Trump administration, likely dividing tech companies, Americans, and the global community.
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