• The Biden administration has appointed Elizabeth Kelly, a top White House aide, to direct the newly established AI Safety Institute at the National Institute for Standards and Technology.
• Kelly’s leadership aims to establish standardized safety measures for AI, fostering trust and wider adoption of the technology through rigorous testing standards.

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The Biden administration is taking significant steps towards ensuring the safe and responsible development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology by appointing a seasoned White House aide to lead the newly established AI Safety Institute. This move underscores the administration’s commitment to fostering innovation while prioritizing the safety and security of AI systems.

Elizabeth Kelly, a prominent economic policy adviser for President Joe Biden, is set to helm the AI Safety Institute at the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), a branch of the Commerce Department. With a track record of shaping policy agendas on technology and financial regulation, Kelly is poised to steer the institute towards its mission of establishing standardized safety measures for AI.

In an announcement by Lael Brainard, director of the White House National Economic Council, Kelly’s pivotal role in crafting the executive order that laid the groundwork for the institute was highlighted. Her expertise in building coalitions of stakeholders underscores the collaborative approach the administration is taking to address the multifaceted challenges of AI safety.

The establishment of the AI Safety Institute comes at a crucial juncture as AI technology continues to permeate various aspects of society. By July, the institute aims to roll out “red team” testing standards for major AI developers, ensuring that AI systems meet stringent safety criteria before deployment. These standardized tests are envisioned to instill trust among consumers and businesses, fostering wider adoption of AI technologies.

While the federal government has already begun mandating AI companies to conduct safety tests, the lack of universal standards has been a significant hurdle. The AI Safety Institute seeks to bridge this gap by finalizing comprehensive safety standards, thereby providing a framework for companies to adhere to.

Elizabeth Kelly’s background, including her tenure in the Obama White House and experience at financial institutions like Capital One, positions her as a well-rounded leader capable of navigating the complex intersection of policy, technology, and industry interests. Her appointment underscores the administration’s recognition of the critical role AI will play in shaping the future economy and society at large.

As AI continues to evolve and integrate into various sectors, ensuring its safety and reliability remains paramount. With the appointment of Elizabeth Kelly to lead the AI Safety Institute, the Biden administration is taking proactive steps to advance the responsible development and deployment of AI technology, ultimately building a foundation of trust and confidence in this transformative field.