White House Releases Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence

Earlier this week, the White House released an executive order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence. The order includes directives to more than 20 federal agencies—including the US Education Department—with deadlines for implementation spanning anywhere from 30 to 365 days. The order is focused on how the federal government uses, evaluates and procures AI software and systems. In addition to the edicts for federal agencies, the order also includes requirements for private companies. The executive order builds off the White House 2022 AI Bill of Rights (PDF version).

The executive order is extensive and has thirteen sections; Specific to education, the order directs the US Education Department to develop resources, policies and guidance aimed at responsible development and deployment of AI in the education sector. This includes guidance on how schools can use the AI technology equitably, with a focus on AI’s effects on vulnerable and underserves communities. This is related to an USED AI Toolkit that will address how to implement AI tools to they both comply with privacy rules and enhance trust/safety. US Education Department has 365 days to develop this guidance. The Justice Department has to coordinate with federal civil rights officials on ways to investigate discrimination driven by algorithms.

In related content, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released draft guidance to federal agencies identifying the types of AI education technologies that may post civil rights and safety risks. 

For a more detailed summary of the broader AI order, please check out this write up by Akin Gump.