How the 2024 Election Will Shape the Future of AI

In the United States, the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) emerged prominently during the 2024 presidential election, particularly when Vice President Kamala Harris raised it in a debate against Donald Trump on September 10. This marked a significant moment as it was the first time AI was mentioned in a general election debate. The candidates differ notably in their approach to AI, with Harris emphasizing the technology's risks to civil rights and consumer protections, while Trump’s administration focused more on fostering innovation. The Biden-Harris administration has issued an executive order outlining policies for government use of AI, highlighting the need for safety, non-discrimination, and data protection. In contrast, Trump’s executive orders were primarily aimed at promoting AI development without addressing its potential dangers. Furthermore, Harris led a U.S. delegation to a global AI safety summit in the U.K. in November 2023, where she announced the establishment of the U.S. AI Safety Institute. The Democratic platform for 2024 acknowledges both the promise and peril of AI, while concerns about political bias in AI models have been raised by Trump’s vice presidential pick, J.D. Vance. The upcoming election will be crucial in determining the future direction of AI policy in the U.S.