Federal government prohibits biased AI technology in contracts
- The US federal government mandated that AI technology used must comply with principles of ideological neutrality.
- This executive order may influence how major tech companies develop their AI models and tools.
- The move has sparked a broader debate about free speech and the implications of government regulation on technology.
In recent months, the United States enacted an executive order to ensure that AI technology used by the federal government is free from ideological bias. This order, part of a broader AI action plan, mandates that AI models adhere to principles of truth-seeking and fairness, reflecting a significant push against perceived 'woke' ideologies in technology. Major technology companies, including Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic, which received significant contracts from the Department of Defense, must comply with these regulations as they develop new AI tools. The shifts in policy focus on preventing discrimination and bias in AI outputs, which has stirred debates about free speech and the limits of government influence in technology development. Additionally, various states are enacting laws aimed at preventing AI discrimination, adding complexities to the overall landscape. Companies eager to work with the government must navigate these multifaceted regulations while balancing innovation with compliance. As a result, many industry experts speculate that the executive order could slow down technological advancements in AI due to the stringent requirements imposed on developers.