Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the modern tech landscape, driving innovations, and transforming industries worldwide. Recognizing the need for responsible AI development, President Joe Biden’s administration unveiled voluntary guidelines in July 2023 aimed at ensuring the safe and ethical use of AI technologies. These guidelines emphasize rigorous testing for risks such as discriminatory biases, security vulnerabilities, and national security concerns, and advocate for transparency in sharing results with government agencies and civil society organizations.
Apple has now joined a growing list of tech giants, including Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI, in committing to these safeguards. The White House announced on Friday that Apple’s commitment brings the total number of participating companies to 16. This collective effort marks a significant step towards fostering a safer and more trustworthy AI ecosystem, demonstrating the tech industry’s dedication to protecting consumers and advancing ethical AI practices.
Tech companies are intensifying their efforts to develop and deploy artificial intelligence safely. They have committed to thorough testing processes, including simulations of cyberattacks and other potential threats, to identify and address weaknesses in AI models.
The White House has issued executive orders that establish safety standards for AI systems and mandate developers to disclose their safety test results. These measures are described by the White House as “the most comprehensive actions ever taken to protect Americans from potential AI risks.”
AI model testing will include assessments of societal risks and national security issues, such as cyberattacks and the creation of biological weapons, as reported by AFP. Additionally, companies will share information about AI risks with each other and the government.
Apple is the most recent company to commit to a set of voluntary AI safeguards developed by President Joe Biden’s administration. These guidelines aim to steer the development of AI technology and promote consumer protection,” the White House announced in a statement
This decision comes at an important time for Apple, as the company plans to add OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot to its iPhone voice assistant as part of new AI features. Tesla CEO Elon Musk is worried about the security risks of using OpenAI’s technology in the operating system. After hearing about the Apple-OpenAI partnership, Elon Musk said he would ban Apple devices from his companies if OpenAI’s AI software is added to the operating system, calling it a security risk
