A prominent tech lobbying group has urged President-elect Trump and his incoming administration to ensure that the U.S. remains at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) development as they craft regulations and policies surrounding the technology.
The Software Alliance, or BSA, sent a letter to Trump and Vice President-elect Vance, stressing the need for U.S. policies that foster AI innovation through clear and enforceable guidelines. The group represents major tech companies such as OpenAI, Microsoft, and Adobe, and its message highlighted the importance of creating a supportive environment for AI growth.
The BSA called on the new administration to reassess current regulations, identifying any policies that might be hindering the adoption of AI. By doing so, the group believes it can help reduce uncertainty and encourage industry-wide progress.
GOP platform prioritizes deregulation and free speech in AI development
The group also recommended that parts of the Biden administration’s AI policies be maintained, while suggesting updates to a key budget memo from the White House Office of Management and Budget to improve the oversight of AI risks. This, according to BSA, would strike the right balance between innovation and safety.
In its letter, the BSA stressed the necessity of building public trust in AI’s responsible design and deployment, noting the growing impact AI has on areas like credit, housing, and employment. It emphasized the need for laws to evolve in sync with technological advancements to ensure adequate protections for citizens.
Trump and Vance were also encouraged to continue international dialogues on AI standards and collaborate with Congress to develop legislation addressing the potential risks and benefits of AI technology.
While Trump has been vague about his AI agenda, he has committed to rolling back President Biden’s executive order on AI. That order established safety standards for AI systems and created the AI Safety Institute at the Commerce Department to conduct research on the technology.
The Republican Party’s policy platform, announced in July, outlined plans to repeal Biden’s executive order, labeling it as a barrier to innovation. The GOP’s alternative focus is on promoting AI development based on principles of free speech and human flourishing.
Industry insiders have speculated that Trump may focus on deregulation and limit federal funding to maintain a technological advantage over China. Deregulation was a hallmark of Trump’s first term, and he has signaled that this will continue into his second term.
In line with his broader efforts to streamline government, Trump recently introduced the “Department of Government Efficiency,” a new initiative aimed at reducing spending and reorganizing federal agencies. Tech entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead the panel.
Musk, a vocal advocate for AI development, has also supported some degree of regulation in the space. His company, xAI, is at the forefront of AI innovation, while his platform, X, is an influential voice in the tech sector.
Lastly, the BSA’s letter urged the incoming administration to increase data availability for training AI models and to continue investing in AI research and development. It also proposed a range of policy recommendations related to privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and international data-sharing.
