White House Unveils AI Action Plan, Sparks Debate on 'Woke AI'
The White House has released its AI strategy, accompanied by an executive order to prevent 'woke AI' in the federal government. This move has sparked debate, with critics arguing it dismisses important issues like diversity, equity, and inclusion in AI development.
The AI strategy, released in July 2021 under President Donald Trump, orders the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to remove references to misinformation, climate change, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from its AI risk management framework. This has been criticized as a rejection of these crucial frameworks and an attempt to dismiss structural biases in AI.
The executive order on 'Preventing Woke AI in the Federal Government' directs agencies to procure only AI models that conform to 'truth-seeking' and 'ideological neutrality' principles. However, critics argue that the term 'woke' in federal AI policy has profound implications, shaping social and economic life through the design and deployment of AI.
Danielle A. Davis, Esq., director of technology policy at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, submitted comments on the national AI strategy. She called for investments in infrastructure, reskilling workers, accountability, and support for Black entrepreneurship. The Joint Center's submission emphasized the need for frameworks ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI development and deployment.
The administration's 'AI strategy' and executive orders aim to ensure the federal government avoids 'woke AI'. However, critics argue that this move is part of a broader deregulation effort that exposes the ideological nature of these policies. The debate highlights the importance of considering diversity, equity, and inclusion in AI development to mitigate biases and ensure fair outcomes.
