Trump gives Biden's AI executive order the axeTrump gives Biden's AI executive order the axe

Trump trashed Biden's AI executive order which focused on implementing security and transparency regulations for AI developers.

Kelsey Ziser, Senior Editor

January 21, 2025

2 Min Read
Artificial intelligence concept with text AI in binary code matrix on virtual screen and person working with cyber technology and automation.
Some days you just feel compelled to stare at binary code.(Source: NicoElNino/Alamy Stock Photo)

President Donald Trump wasted no time in taking a stand on AI regulations, tossing the Biden administration's AI executive order on day one of his second term.

"The Biden executive order asked companies to tell the government when developing powerful models that could affect national security, the economy or public health," reported The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

Trump's decision "immediately halts the implementation of key safety and transparency requirements for AI developers," according to Bloomberg. Signed in 2023, Biden's executive order on AI required top AI companies to share safety test results and notify the government about the development of powerful AI systems. As a result of the order, the US AI Safety Institute was created within the Commerce Department to "create voluntary guidelines and best practices for the technology's use," according to Bloomberg.

Biden's executive order also addressed cybersecurity for AI, directing the Commerce Department to develop standards for companies to label real versus AI-generated content, explained WSJ. Most larger AI companies were on board with the regulation but some smaller organizations said it would put a damper on innovation, the publication added.

Other AI rules

Just last week, the Biden administration released a new rule that would restrict the export of AI chips in an effort to improve national security and the US economy. However, the ruling was met with frustration from chipmaker and graphics processing unit (GPU) giant Nvidia, the European Commission and a number of tech organizations that argued the AI framework was too restrictive and could have a negative impact on the global economy and innovation in the AI sector. The regulation's goal was to encourage advanced AI model development by the US and its partners and restrict China from obtaining technology from other countries to develop AI.

Related:Biden Administration's AI chips rules met with grumblings from Nvidia, European Commission

It's unclear what Trump's position will be on the AI chip rule, but some observers believe his administration might view the rules as leverage in broader discussions about security in Europe, according to Euronews.

Other nations are also taking a stance on AI security and development. The European Union recently made moves to create more security around AI development – last August, the European Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) went into effect. The Act outlines requirements and obligations for developers and deployers of AI, according to the European Commission. The AI Act requires AI-generated content to be labeled in some instances and prohibits AI systems that threaten "people's fundamental rights."

About the Author

Kelsey Ziser

Senior Editor, Light Reading

Kelsey is a senior editor at Light Reading, co-host of the Light Reading podcast, and host of the "What's the story?" podcast.

Her interest in the telecom world started with a PR position at Connect2 Communications, which led to a communications role at the FREEDM Systems Center, a smart grid research lab at N.C. State University. There, she orchestrated their webinar program across college campuses and covered research projects such as the center's smart solid-state transformer.

Kelsey enjoys reading four (or 12) books at once, watching movies about space travel, crafting and (hoarding) houseplants.

Kelsey is based in Raleigh, N.C.

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