White House outlines plans to lead AI innovation while upholding privacy and rights.
President Joe Biden has introduced a comprehensive new strategy to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) for national security as the global race to dominate AI intensifies. The move, formalized in the first-ever National Security Memorandum (NSM) focused on AI, outlines the US government’s plan to maintain its leadership in the development of “safe, secure, and trustworthy” AI technologies.
The memorandum instructs federal agencies to strengthen supply chains for semiconductor chips, integrate AI considerations into all new technologies developed by the government, and prioritize intelligence operations to monitor foreign AI strategies that may threaten US leadership.
A senior Biden administration official, quoted by AFP, stated, “We believe we must outpace adversaries and counter the risks posed by their use of AI.” The White House emphasized that any AI initiatives must be grounded in the protection of human rights and democratic principles. It noted that Americans deserve to trust that AI systems will perform reliably and safely.
Safeguards and Global Cooperation
To this end, the NSM mandates federal agencies to continuously monitor and manage risks associated with AI—particularly those involving privacy violations, algorithmic bias, safety threats, and other human rights concerns.
The directive also encourages international cooperation, calling for frameworks that align AI development with international law and protect fundamental freedoms. It sets the tone for collaboration with global partners to promote responsible AI governance.
This memo follows last year’s executive order by President Biden, aimed at minimizing the dangers of AI to the public, including vulnerable communities, workers, and national security. However, civil society groups remain cautious.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
In July, more than a dozen advocacy organizations—including the Center for Democracy & Technology—issued an open letter urging the administration to embed stronger accountability measures in the NSM. These groups warned that despite promises of transparency, little is known about how federal agencies are actually deploying AI.
The letter cautioned that AI use in national security could lead to systemic biases, privacy infringements, and civil liberties violations, particularly affecting racial, ethnic, or religious communities.
Looking Ahead: Global AI Regulation Efforts
The White House also announced that next month, the US will host a global AI safety summit in San Francisco. The event will bring together international allies to coordinate AI policies and create improved regulatory frameworks.
Amid growing attention on generative AI—which can produce text, images, and videos from basic prompts—experts are both excited by its possibilities and concerned about misuse. The rapid advancement of these tools has sparked fears about their potential to cause harm or even surpass human control with devastating outcomes.
This latest initiative marks a significant step in the US’s broader plan to shape the future of AI responsibly while preserving its strategic edge.
