On January 23, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order called “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence.” This order aims to keep the US at the forefront of AI innovation. It will remove certain existing policies that may hinder progress, although it does not specify which ones will be affected. The Assistant to the President for Science and Technology will work with agency heads to identify these policies. The order also calls for a new AI action plan to be developed within 180 days, emphasizing that AI systems should avoid ideological biases and social agendas.
Just a few days earlier, Trump also repealed 78 previous Executive Orders signed by President Biden, including the Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence. This earlier order aimed to regulate AI development and address concerns about security, privacy, and discrimination in AI applications. While the specifics of Biden’s order are still important, the revocation is mostly symbolic for employers using AI.
Biden’s order didn’t require employers to change their practices directly. Instead, it asked federal agencies to report on AI-related issues, including:
- The impact of AI on the job market.
- Support for workers affected by AI technology.
- Guidance for employers to ensure employee well-being while maximizing AI’s benefits.
Biden’s order also pushed for anti-discrimination guidelines for federal programs and contractors using AI, focusing on how to address civil rights issues linked to AI technologies.
While the immediate impact of the new Executive Orders may not be felt by employers, they suggest a shift toward a more relaxed regulatory approach to AI under the new Administration. We’ll keep an eye on how AI policies unfold in this changing landscape.
Trump Alters AI Policy With New Executive Order
This article serves as a general guide. For specific advice, please consult a specialist.
