Apple has signed onto a voluntary AI safety framework instituted by President Joe Biden’s administration, aimed at guiding AI development and protecting consumers.
The Biden administration announced that Apple has joined tech giants like OpenAI, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft in a pledge to assess their AI systems for potential biases, security vulnerabilities, and national security threats. This collective effort is intended to foster responsible AI growth while reducing associated risks.
AI Safety Measures and Testing
The commitments include methods such as “red teaming,” where simulated attacks on AI systems identify flaws and vulnerabilities. This initiative forms part of an extensive plan to tackle societal risks and national security issues, including cyber threats and the proliferation of biological weapons. Companies involved are expected to share information about AI risks and circumvention attempts with both each other and the government.
Beyond the AI safeguard pledge, Apple has announced its plans to incorporate OpenAI’s ChatGPT into the iPhone. This move aims to boost the device’s functionalities with advanced conversational features, aligning with Apple’s push towards AI while observing the newly established guidelines.
The AI safeguards from Biden’s administration are a segment of a larger framework addressing the challenges and opportunities AI presents. By enlisting major tech firms in this effort, the administration hopes to create guidelines that support innovation while ensuring AI systems are reliable, secure, and fair. This reflects an increasing need for regulatory measures to keep up with technological progress.
Executive Order and Policy Speech
Last year, President Biden signed an executive order setting new AI safety standards, mandating developers to share safety test outcomes with the federal government. According to the White House, this order represents one of the most extensive actions to protect Americans from AI-related risks. Following the executive order, Vice President Kamala Harris made a noteworthy AI policy speech at an event with politicians, tech industry leaders, and academics, addressing rising concerns such as job displacement, cyber-attacks, and control over AI systems.
In June, Apple unveiled “Apple Intelligence,” a set of AI features for its products, aimed at reassuring users about its AI capabilities. This initiative is part of Apple’s broader effort to responsibly and safely integrate AI into its devices.
The White House confirmed that Apple has joined over a dozen tech companies in committing to AI safety standards. These firms, including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, were among the initial participants when the voluntary pact was first introduced a year ago. The commitment covers not just AI model testing but also the sharing of information regarding AI risks and defensive measures with other companies and the government.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 3:29 pm CET
