The White House today announced a series of initiatives designed to encourage the creation of safe artificial intelligence software, as well as mitigate the risks posed by the technology.

The development comes as generative AI is increasingly emerging as a focus for policymakers. On Wednesday, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan called for AI to be regulated. The U.K.’s top antitrust regulator, in turn, is launching a review to map out the competitive and consumer protection implications of foundation models.

The first of the initiatives announced by the White House will allocate $140 million to the establishment of seven National AI Research Institutes. Once they open, there will be a total of 25 such hubs in the U.S. The institutes focus on supporting collaborative AI projects that include federal agencies, universities, companies and other organizations.

“In addition to promoting responsible innovation, these Institutes bolster America’s AI R&D infrastructure and support the development of a diverse AI workforce,” the White House stated. “The new Institutes announced today will advance AI R&D to drive breakthroughs in critical areas, including climate, agriculture, energy, public health, education, and cybersecurity.”

Another initiative announced today will evaluate how well existing generative AI systems comply with the White House’s Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights. Released last year, the blueprint specifies five principles that should guide the development and implementation of advanced neural networks. Those principles are designed to protect consumers from AI-related risks.

The evaluation will be carried out at the upcoming DEFCON cybersecurity conference, which is set to take place in August. The project will involve Google LLC, Microsoft Corp. and Nvidia Corp., as well as multiple generative AI startups including OpenAI LP. The participants will evaluate machine learning products’ compliance with the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights using a system developed by startup Scale AI Inc.

The White House also detailed plans to release draft guidelines on how federal agencies should implement machine learning. Set to be released later this year, the guidelines will focus on ensuring agencies use AI in a way that protects people’s rights and safety. The effort is managed by the White House’s Office of Management and Budget.

“OMB will release this draft guidance for public comment this summer, so that it will benefit from input from advocates, civil society, industry, and other stakeholders before it is finalized,” the White House stated.

The announcement of the new AI initiatives comes a day after FTC chair Lina Khan called for advanced neural networks to be regulated. In a New York Times op-ed, Khan highlighted several risks that AI models could pose to consumers and market competition. She also said the FTC is “taking a closer look” at how it can address those risks.

In the op-ed, Khan highlighted generative AI’s potential to be misused for discrimination and fraud. Additionally, the FTC chair raised concerns that foundation models could allow incumbent tech giants to harm competition. She also highlighted other risks, such as the possibility that the AI models companies rely on to set product prices could be misused to overcharge customers.

The FTC, Khan stated, will explore ways to ensure AI doesn’t negatively impact consumers or market competition. “The F.T.C. will vigorously enforce the laws we are charged with administering, even in this new market,” Khan wrote.

Earlier today, the U.K.’s antitrust regulator launched a market review that has similar objectives. The Competition and Markets Authority, or CMA, said that the review will focus on foundation AI models. The goal is to determine what antitrust or consumer protection risks the technology could create.

As part of the initiative, the CMA also intends to draft a set of guiding principles for foundation models. The regulator said that the principles will focus on supporting market competition and protecting consumers.

“AI has burst into the public consciousness over the past few months but has been on our radar for some time,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Cardell. “It’s crucial that the potential benefits of this transformative technology are readily accessible to UK businesses and consumers while people remain protected from issues like false or misleading information.”

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