The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced several new initiatives in response to President Biden’s Executive Order on the development of safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released four draft publications aimed at improving the safety and security of AI technology. Additionally, NIST has launched a challenge series to distinguish between human-generated content and AI-generated content. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) also issued a request for public comment on how AI could impact patent evaluations and previously released guidance on patentability of AI-assisted inventions.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized the department’s commitment to responsible innovation in AI and promoting America’s technological leadership. The NIST publications cover various aspects of AI technology, including managing risks associated with generative AI, promoting transparency in digital content, and developing global AI standards. These publications are currently in draft form to gather feedback from the public before final versions are submitted later this year.
Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio highlighted the unique risks associated with generative AI technology and the importance of informing software creators about these risks. The guidance documents aim to help mitigate risks while supporting innovation in the AI sector. The Commerce Department’s focus on transparency and feedback from stakeholders is evident in these recent announcements, which demonstrate significant progress in advancing safe and secure AI development practices.
