The United States is planning to establish an “AI Force” and appoint a senior official to oversee artificial intelligence as debate grows over the technology’s development, regulation and potential risks.
The administration has indicated that it does not intend to restrict the growth of the AI industry, while maintaining that existing criminal and civil laws can be used to address potential misuse.
The US president has also rejected calls for broad new federal regulations on AI, arguing that the country needs effective leadership to manage the rapidly developing technology.
The administration has previously defended the expansion of AI and data centres, while dismissing criticism that the industry should face tougher restrictions.
AI is expected to become an important issue in upcoming US-China discussions. Washington and Beijing consider advances in artificial intelligence increasingly important to their economic and military competitiveness.
The two countries continue to have disagreements over access to advanced semiconductor chips, technology transfers and the regulation of the AI sector.
The US administration has described AI as a major technological transformation with the potential to significantly affect the economy. It has also stressed the importance of maintaining US leadership in the field amid growing competition with China and other countries.
The latest announcement comes as concerns about the pace of AI development have increased within the technology industry. Some leading AI figures have called for a slower and more cautious approach to developing increasingly powerful systems.
Industry discussions have focused on balancing the potential economic and social benefits of AI with concerns over misuse, safety and the development of highly capable or potentially superintelligent systems.
The debate has intensified as governments and technology companies consider how existing laws, regulatory frameworks and oversight mechanisms should evolve alongside rapid advances in artificial intelligence.
