US AI Executive Order Insufficient to Match China: Experts, Legislators

President Joe Biden’s⁤ executive order, issued⁤ this week to address concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) ‌risks, is seen as a step toward responsible AI ‍development. However, some industry leaders and lawmakers argue that it falls short of addressing the Chinese competition ⁣that poses a challenge to the United States’s AI superiority.

While ⁢the move is ⁢an important step for ensuring​ that the United‌ States stays ahead in AI innovation and can use⁤ this tool for ⁣good, “more work needs ‍to be done,” one⁣ business leader said.

“The United States faces stiff competition from China in AI development. This competition ⁢is so fierce⁣ that it is‍ unclear‍ which⁣ nation will emerge as the ⁣global ‌leader, raising significant security concerns for the United States and ⁢its allies,” said⁢ Tom Quaadman, executive vice president of the U.S. Chamber of⁢ Commerce’s ​(USCC) Technology Engagement ​Center, in a ⁣statement issued on Oct.​ 30.

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“It ‍is imperative‌ for ⁢the United States⁢ to lead the effort to create a risk-based AI regulatory ⁣and policy framework that is reinforced by industry standards and promotes ⁣the safe and responsible development ‍and use of ⁤this transformational technology.‍ The Biden Administration’s AI Executive Order is a step towards achieving that goal, but more work needs to be done,” he added.

According to the ⁢White House, the executive ‌order establishes‌ new standards for AI safety and security, protects Americans’ privacy, promotes equity and⁢ civil rights, and advocates for consumers and⁤ workers. It also aims to promote innovation and competition while strengthening the United States’s leadership in this industry.

The ‍order directs law enforcement agencies to establish testing⁣ standards and handle related chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, ⁣and cyber ‌threats, as well.

“To⁢ maintain its competitive⁣ advantage, the United States, and like-minded jurisdictions, such as the ⁣European Union, need to‌ reach [an] agreement to resolve⁢ key legal challenges that ⁤currently impede industry growth,” according to the USCC’s AI Commission report.

“[The] U.S. must collaborate⁣ with key partners and allies to develop more sensible ‍global governance ‌frameworks that advance our common democratic goals and values,” the report reads.

The Biden administration’s order is the latest attempt to set rules around AI ⁣as its use spreads and provides⁢ hope for enhancing economic opportunities, boosting salaries, ⁢accelerating​ life⁤ science research at lower costs, and simplifying lives.

Crucial ​Phase

The United⁢ States ⁤is ​“at a pivotal moment with AI, and unilateral, one-size-fits-all regulations will not alleviate every concern and​ may ultimately hamper innovation,” said ​House ⁣Energy and Commerce ​Committee Chair Cathy ​McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) in a statement.

“To‌ win the future and beat ⁢China,​ it’s vital that America leads in ‌developing and deploying artificial intelligence ⁤with our values built in,” she added.

Indeed, while ⁢the United States pioneered AI development, the country ​has been slow in‌ regulating the technology. According‌ to the think-tank Brookings, the United⁤ Kingdom, the European Union, ⁢and China have already surpassed the United States in moving toward a regulatory ​framework for ⁣AI.

In ‍April 2021, ⁣for example, the European Commission was the ⁢first​ to propose⁢ a regulatory framework that aims to regulate AI systems based on the risk they pose to users. Different risk levels​ will determine ​the extent of regulation, the commission ⁢said, adding that the EU’s approach focuses on ensuring safety, transparency, and non-discrimination in ⁣AI systems while‍ fostering innovation and responsible development.

In March this year, the UK government joined ​the tech-savvy region in outlining several key principles for its AI regulatory framework with the goal of capitalizing on the potential ‍provided by the technology while also fostering public trust and guaranteeing ‌its ‌responsible development and use. Like the United ‍States, the UK government⁤ also wants to cement its position as a global leader ​in AI​ by ⁢encouraging innovation, investment,⁤ and ethical practices, according to ‌the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology.

However, on July 13, China was the first to finalize rules on generative ⁤AI—the “Interim Measures ‍for ‍the Management of Generative Artificial Intelligence Services”—which came ⁣into effect on Aug. 15. The measures were jointly approved by seven major Chinese government agencies, including ⁣the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of ​Public Security, and the Cyberspace Administration of⁣ China, Beijing’s regulatory body for ⁤internet ‍matters.

Why China Matters

Several factors have contributed to China’s‍ increasing ‌prominence in the global AI competition. ‍Most notably, China allocates a significantly higher portion ⁣of its budget to AI development, particularly within the military sector. Government data research firm Govini​ revealed that⁤ the People’s Liberation⁣ Army, for example, dedicates 1 percent to ‌2⁣ percent of its budget‌ to AI. In contrast, the U.S. Department of Defense⁢ allocates 0.1 percent to⁣ 0.2 percent, it said.

Beyond budget allocations, China ⁢has made‍ significant strides in various AI⁢ domains, including facial recognition, fintech, drones, 5G telecommunications, and strategic investments. In terms of‌ AI research commitment, patent filings, and‍ investments, China is not merely catching up with the ⁤United States; it is establishing itself as a formidable force​ shaping the future‍ of AI.

For example, ⁤Chinese institutions reportedly filed 29,853​ AI-related patents in ‍2022, nearly 80 percent more than the number of U.S. filings. In contrast, U.S. patent filings decreased by⁢ 5.5 percent‍ during the same period. Regarding the output of influential AI research papers, reports indicate that China’s most-cited AI ​research⁤ papers are poised to overtake ​the United States​ by 2025.

According to⁤ the USCC, given that both research and use of AI-based systems are expanding exponentially, the next⁤ decade or two will see ‌AI‌ being used by nearly‍ every industry and government department. Moreover, the effects on culture, ‌the economy, and the safety of ‍the nation‍ will be far-reaching, it said.

“[Consequently] While ⁤this executive order is a great step ⁣forward, Congress will need to ​act to​ ensure governance ‌of AI,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), ranking⁤ member ​of the​ House Science, Space​ and Technology Committee, in a statement.

“Not only ⁣must Congress adequately fund our federal science agencies to be able to do the important research ‍and standards development described in this executive order, but I believe Congress must consider further ⁢regulations to protect Americans ​against demonstrable‌ harms from AI systems.”

How does China’s less restrictive regulatory environment for AI technologies enable rapid adoption ‍and implementation across various sectors?

T amount of resources and funding to AI research and development. The Chinese⁢ government has made AI a national priority,‌ investing ‌heavily in infrastructure,⁤ talent development, and AI education. Additionally, China has a massive amount of data, which is vital for training AI systems. The country’s large population and ⁣extensive use of digital technologies generate vast⁤ amounts of data, giving ‌Chinese AI developers a significant advantage.

Furthermore, China has a less restrictive regulatory environment compared to the ⁢United States⁤ and ​the European ⁣Union. This allows Chinese companies to freely experiment‌ and deploy ⁤AI technologies without​ stringent regulations slowing⁤ down innovation. The Chinese government’s approach has enabled rapid adoption⁢ and implementation of AI across various sectors, including healthcare, transportation, and finance.

The⁢ United‌ States and its allies recognize‌ the complex challenges posed by China’s advancements in AI. To maintain ​their leadership position and address the national security⁣ implications, the United States must ramp up efforts to develop comprehensive AI policies and regulations. The executive order issued by‌ President Biden is a step in the right direction, but ⁤it is clear that more needs to be done.

Collaboration between the United States and ⁣like-minded jurisdictions, such as the European Union, is crucial in establishing global governance frameworks for AI. By working together, these countries can create harmonized regulations that address the risks associated with ​AI while promoting innovation, fairness, and accountability. It is​ essential to establish a balance between fostering technological advancements and ensuring⁤ the responsible development and use of AI systems.

In conclusion, President Biden’s executive order ​on AI is‍ a ​significant step toward​ responsible AI development in ‌the United ‍States. However, ​concerns about Chinese competition and the⁤ need for comprehensive regulations persist. To maintain its⁣ AI superiority and address national security concerns, the⁤ United States must continue to prioritize AI research, collaborate with allies, and develop robust policies that​ strike a balance between innovation and responsible governance. The road to responsible AI development is a challenging one, but it is crucial for the future of the United States and ⁣global technological advancements.

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