OSTP’s Continuing Work on AI Technology and Uses that Can Benefit Us All

By: Lynne Parker, Director, National AI Initiative Office, and Rashida Richardson, Senior Policy Advisor for Data and Democracy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming more prevalent in all of our lives. It powers all kinds of tools, from the digital assistants that answer questions on your phone, to breakthroughs in reading X-rays to better spot cancers. The so-called “intelligence” is the result of powerful computers sorting through mountains of data to find patterns, using algorithms designed and optimized by computer scientists.

Like all technology, AI is far from perfect. As we have started using AI for consequential decisions, we have realized that while AI can improve decision making, it too often compounds historical patterns of bias and deepens existing inequality. AI’s reliance on biased data or design processes has led to systems that produce discriminatory, or otherwise harmful, outcomes.

The Office of Science and Technology Policy is engaged in understanding the extraordinary promise of AI as well as its pitfalls. OSTP’s National AI Initiative Office (NAIIO) helps coordinate Federal activities in AI across government. OSTP is co-chairing the National AI Research Resource Task Force to answer Congress’s call to propose a vision for equitably expanding the research community’s access to the computing power, data, and testbed resources necessary to do AI research. OSTP has issued a call for the development of an AI Bill of Rights, and is working closely with both domestic and international partners across bilateral and multilateral venues to advance development, adoption, and oversight of AI in a manner that aligns with our democratic values.

Given the transformative potential of AI, we know it is critical that the American public have a voice in how this technology is used and governed. In late 2020, we initiated a public engagement process that included public listening sessions, a request for information on AI-enabled biometric technology, and stakeholder engagement meetings. Today, our National AI Initiative Office, in coordination with the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Program of the National Science and Technology Council, is seeking public comments about how we should revise the National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan. First published in 2016 and updated in 2019, the National AI R&D Strategic Plan identifies scientific and technological needs for AI innovation and investment priorities for Federally-funded AI research. In preparation for the Congressionally mandated 2022 Strategic Plan, this request for information seeks input on the goals, priorities, and metrics that Federal agencies should use to guide AI research and development.  

OSTP’s mission is to “maximize the benefits of science and technology to advance health, prosperity, security, environmental quality, and justice for all Americans.” Our work in AI is intended to maximize its benefits while ensuring that AI-driven systems do not cause harm or impede our pursuit of American ideals.

Watch this space for more announcements in the months to come.