White House’s AI task force gets to work

The White House's AI task force has officially launched its charter, embarking on a 120-day period to grapple with critical questions regarding the administration of artificial intelligence technology. The task force, which convened for the first time on Thursday, has committed to issuing a report from the President's Council of Advisers on Science and Technology to assess AI risks in three key areas: cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection, biosecurity and dual-use applications, and model control and accountability.

The team will collaborate with various stakeholders, including frontier model developers, consumer protection groups, civil liberties advocates, industry stakeholders, federal and state law enforcement agencies, and other federal and state entities.

The AI task force has pledged to uphold the White House Accord on Super Intelligence, a commitment signed by major AI CEOs. This involves overseeing the implementation of the accord under the leadership of the Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, alongside National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross. Additionally, the Pentagon's Chief Technology Officer, Emil Michael, will spearhead the development of protocols for laboratories to report cyber breaches, hacks, and other cyber issues.

Michael will also liaise with frontier AI labs to ensure long-term coordination on AI across the government.

The task force's vice chairs will focus on distinct areas. National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross will collaborate with the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission, led by FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson, to ensure law enforcement and consumer protection coordination. Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor will engage with the public and private sectors concerning critical infrastructure protection, while also working with the Department of Labor to research and analyze the impact of AI on the American workforce and economy.

The remaining members of the task force include Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Michael Kratsios, the Director of Science and Technology Policy. Other members include Cairncross, Chris Klomp, nominee for the second-in-command position at the Department of Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank Bisignano, and NSA Director Joshua Rudd.