As public fears of AI grow, Trump digs in on voluntary safeguards

Washington, October 3: President Donald Trump showcased his administration's stance on AI by introducing the US government's new AI chatbot, dining with tech leaders at the White House, and announcing a voluntary agreement with six major companies. The move aimed to address growing public concerns over AI safety without potentially hampering innovation, according to AI safety advocates.

The agreement, a "morally binding" commitment, involves no consequences for non-compliance and emphasizes robust internal controls and external audits, though it lacks clear enforcement measures. Public unease with AI has risen, with three-quarters of Americans worrying about the technology's potential harm. Despite this, Trump has dismissed the concerns, arguing that government restrictions could hinder American companies' competitiveness against China.