Dive Brief:
- President Donald Trump on Monday rescinded a sweeping artificial intelligence executive order by his predecessor, Joe Biden.
- On his first day as the nation’s 47th president, Trump signed a number of executive orders including one that repealed Biden-era executive actions such as the AI order.
- “With these actions, we will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense,” Trump said during his inauguration speech.
Dive Insight:
The recission of Biden’s AI order, which called for various policies to ensure that AI is developed and used in a safe and responsible manner, fulfills a pledge Trump made while on the campaign trail.
Analysts had regarded that pledge as one of several indications that Trump’s return to the White House likely heralds a shakeup in AI policy in the U.S.
In another signal, Trump announced last month that he picked former PayPal executive David Sacks to serve as “AI and crypto czar.” The then-president-elect said Sacks will focus on “making America the clear global leader” in AI and cryptocurrency.
“Stakeholders should prepare for significant changes in AI policy that emphasize America’s leadership in AI innovation, defense, and national security,” said a December blog post published by global law firm Perkins Coie LLP. “These shifts reflect the incoming administration’s long-standing preference for deregulation and also signal a commitment to follow through on campaign promises to fight ‘wokeness,’ including with federal AI policy.”