New White House website educates on artificial intelligence

New White House website educates on artificial intelligence

Washington, 5/10/2021

The White House has launched a new website, AI.gov, where the public can learn more about U.S. efforts in AI. The site hosts the National AI Initiative, a federal law that lays out plans for AI research and applications.

The overall goal is to advance AI research in the U.S. and increase enthusiasm for the topic in both the public and private sectors.

Users of the site will be able to read AI news and learn how the technology is being used in everything from weather forecasting to pandemics. There will be a portal for students interested in AI scholarships and funding programs.

The site will also provide access to data and computations for researchers in AI and innovative fields, said Lynne Parker, director of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Office.
Background:

The recently passed National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act called for the creation of the office, which will also work with the private sector and academia on AI initiatives.

In February 2019, Trump signed a separate executive order that created the American AI Initiative. This program called on federal agencies to invest more in AI research and development, establish authoritative standards, and increase their AI resources.

In August 2020, the U.S. government announced a $1 billion investment in AI and quantum computing hubs. Of that, $140 million will be invested in seven AI initiatives that include research and development in areas such as prediction, precision agriculture, workforce development, and AI in the classroom.

Recently, the U.S. signed an agreement with the U.K. to jointly advance trustworthy AI. The partnership, known as the Declaration on Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence Research and Development, focuses on AI R&D, innovation and workforce development.