What steps will the government take to manage potentially destructive artificial intelligence (AI)? Technology has evolved to the point that it’s now essential for thriving in modern society. While AI can be incredibly beneficial and efficient in transmitting information and sharing content globally, what else does it bring? In the United States, more workers are losing jobs due to competition with robots and emerging technologies. The number of people impacted is growing, with an estimated 4,000 Americans currently unemployed due to these advancements.

AI can also be used for harmful activities such as spreading misinformation, doxxing, pirating, scamming, and other digital crimes. A notable, relatively new issue in this space is AI-driven impersonation. It’s now disturbingly easy, with a single click, to replicate anyone’s likeness. Imagine this; they can make you say things, do things, and post things that you have never done just based off of a photo or video you’ve posted. Scary right? So how can we protect ourselves from the new era of technological advancement? Here are some laws and restrictions the government is implementing to address AI-related risks.

The White House has taken the initiative to address these AI issues by launching an Executive Order (E.O.). The E.O. published by The White House states “The Executive Order directed agencies to address a broad range of AI’s safety and security risks, including risks related to dangerous biological materials, critical infrastructure, and software vulnerabilities.” In response to the need for AI safety, the White House is collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other departments, incorporating public feedback to guide policy and improve AI models. To prevent impersonation scandals, the government has employed nucleic acid technology to combat AI-driven bioengineering and has updated its software to better detect suspicious online activities.

How do we protect our jobs from being stolen by AI? In order to protect the working class against being displaced by AI in the workplace by authorizing laws that protect workers creating equal opportunities to lower the risk of unemployment. Their goal is to create a symbiotic relationship between people and technology, rather than allowing AI to displace human workers. In a final statement, the White House says “President Biden’s Executive Order also directed work to seize AI’s enormous promise, including by advancing AI’s use for scientific research, deepening collaboration with the private sector, and piloting uses of AI.”

As we continue to find innovative ways to handle the growth of AI, there is reason for hope. We should feel empowered knowing that we can now flip the script and take the development of new technologies into our own hands and use it for good. There will never be an end to digital crimes as long as there is Wifi, but we can work together and try to celebrate and see the good in AI.