3 Major AI policy Milestones in 2023

The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.” – Stephen Hawking6

Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most powerful and transformative technologies of our time. It has the potential to enhance human capabilities, improve social welfare, and solve global challenges. However, it also poses significant risks and challenges, such as ethical dilemmas, social impacts, and geopolitical tensions. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that AI policy is developed and used in a way that is aligned with human values, rights, and interests.

In this article, let’s review some of the major AI policy milestones and challenges that occurred in 2023, a year that marked significant progress and debate in the field of AI governance. I will also provide a critical assessment and evaluation of the current state and future prospects of AI policy, and highlight some of the key takeaways and messages for the readers.

Milestone 1: President Biden’s Executive Order on AI

In 2023, President Biden issued an executive order on AI, which aimed to strengthen the US leadership and competitiveness in AI. The order was motivated by the recognition of the strategic importance and potential of AI for the US economy, security, and society. It is also reflected the need to address the challenges and risks posed by AI, such as ethical, legal, and social issues.

The order had four main provisions and objectives:

-Establishing a National AI Initiative Office to coordinate federal AI activities and investments, and to serve as a central point of contact for AI stakeholders
-Promoting trustworthy and responsible AI development and use across the public and private sectors, by establishing standards, guidelines, and best practices
-Enhancing AI education and workforce development, by expanding access to AI-related education and training, and by fostering diversity and inclusion in the AI field
-Fostering international cooperation and leadership on AI issues, by engaging with allies and partners, and by advancing democratic values and human rights

The order had significant impacts and implications for the US and the global AI landscape. On the one hand, it boosted the US innovation and competitiveness in AI, by increasing the federal funding and support for AI research and development. On the other hand, it intensified the US-China rivalry in AI, by highlighting the differences and tensions between the two countries’ approaches and values on AI.

Milestone 2: The E.U. AI Act

In April 2023, the European Commission proposed the AI Act, which aimed to create a comprehensive and harmonized regulatory framework for AI systems in the E.U. The act was motivated by the ambition to become a global leader and a model for human-centric and trustworthy AI. The act also reflected the need to balance the opportunities and risks of AI, by fostering innovation and competitiveness, while protecting the fundamental rights and values of the E.U. citizens.

The act had four main provisions and objectives:

-Creating a risk-based regulatory framework for AI systems, with different levels of requirements and oversight, depending on the potential harm and impact of the AI system
-Banning or restricting certain high-risk AI practices, such as mass surveillance and social scoring, that are considered incompatible with the E.U. values and rights
-Establishing a European AI Board to provide guidance and support for the national authorities, and to ensure the consistent and effective implementation and enforcement of the act
-Encouraging innovation and competitiveness in the European AI market, by providing incentives, funding, and support for AI research and development, and by facilitating the access and sharing of data and resources

The act had significant impacts and implications for the E.U. and the global AI landscape. On the one hand, it strengthened the E.U. position and influence in AI, by establishing a clear and coherent legal framework for AI systems, and by creating a single market and a level playing field for AI providers and users. On the other hand, it challenged the E.U. innovation and competitiveness in AI, by imposing strict and costly regulations and obligations for AI developers and operators, and by potentially limiting the scope and diversity of AI applications.

Milestone 3: The GPAI Summit at Bharat Mandapam

In November 2023, India hosted the GPAI Summit at Bharat Mandapam, aiming to foster global collaboration and dialogue on AI issues. Additionally, facilitated by the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), an international initiative launched in 2020, the summit brought together experts and representatives from various countries and sectors. This assembly actively worked to support and guide the responsible and human-centric development and use of AI. Moreover, the summit also showcased India’s AI initiatives and capabilities, reflecting its aspiration to become a global AI hub and a leader for social good.

The summit had three main outcomes and achievements:

-Launching the GPAI Research and Innovation Network, a global platform for AI collaboration and knowledge sharing, furthermore aimed to facilitate the exchange of best practices, data, and resources, and to support the development of common standards and norms for AI

-Adopting the New Delhi Declaration, a set of principles and commitments for advancing human-centric and inclusive AI, which emphasized the importance of ensuring that AI respects human dignity, diversity, and rights, and that AI benefits all segments of society, especially the marginalized and the vulnerable

-Showcasing India’s AI initiatives and capabilities, such as the Responsible AI for Social Empowerment (RAISE) program and the National AI Portal, which demonstrated India’s achievements and potential in leveraging AI for social and economic development, and for addressing global challenges, such as health, education, and climate change

The summit had significant impacts and implications for India and the global AI landscape. On the one hand, it boosted India’s innovation and competitiveness in AI, by increasing its visibility and recognition as a key player and a partner in the global AI arena, and by attracting more investments and opportunities for AI research and development. On the other hand, it intensified India’s rivalry and cooperation with other countries in AI, especially China and the US, by showcasing its strengths and ambitions in AI, and by engaging with different stakeholders and perspectives on AI issues.

Conclusion

In this article, I have reviewed some of the major AI policy milestones and challenges that occurred in 2023, a year that marked significant progress and debate in the field of AI governance. I have also provided a critical assessment and evaluation of the current state and future prospects of AI policy, and highlighted some of the key takeaways and messages for the readers.

As a final note, I would like to quote the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who said at the GPAI Summit: “AI is not just a technology, but a way of thinking, a way of living, a way of being. Additionally,it is a reflection of our hopes and fears, our dreams and challenges, our values and aspirations. It is up to us to shape AI in a way that reflects our best selves, and that serves our common good.”.