President Joe Biden’s concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) have reached new heights after he recently watched Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One. Joined by Deputy White House Chief of Staff Bruce Reed, Biden viewed the movie during their time together at Camp David. The film centers around a rogue and sentient AI character, known as “the Entity,” which wreaks havoc by sinking a submarine and killing its crew.
Prior to this movie-watching session, Biden had already expressed worries about the emergence of AI deepfakes featuring himself. These concerns were reiterated during the signing of an executive order focused on AI. The order mandates that AI companies must share the results of safety tests with the U.S. government. Additionally, it calls for the federal government to develop guidelines for employers on how to handle AI technology appropriately.
The enforceability of these guidelines is uncertain, but they could have significant implications for ongoing discussions between the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the studios. As the entertainment industry grapples with the increasing use of AI in various creative processes, finding common ground on how to regulate and police the technology becomes crucial.
Moreover, the executive order tackles the issue of deepfakes head-on. It directs the Department of Commerce to establish authentication and watermarking standards to help combat the rising prevalence of manipulated videos and images. Biden was reportedly both impressed and alarmed by the capabilities demonstrated in the film, particularly the creation of fake visuals and voice cloning.
The President’s concerns reflect a growing recognition of the potential dangers associated with AI and its rapidly evolving applications. As technology continues to advance, Biden’s administration is taking proactive steps to address the need for regulations to safeguard against the malicious use of AI, while promoting its responsible development and utilization.
With AI increasingly becoming a recurring theme in global conversations, it is clear that concerns about its impact on society, individuals, and national security are gaining traction at the highest levels, including within the White House itself. The Biden administration’s executive order demonstrates a commitment to navigating the complex landscape of AI, aiming to strike a delicate balance between innovation and accountability in this rapidly evolving digital age.
“Zombie enthusiast. Subtly charming travel practitioner. Webaholic. Internet expert.”