United States President Joseph Biden today signed an executive order that aims to ensure that the US can quickly build infrastructure for advanced artificial intelligence (AI) operations, such as large data storage and processing centers, and be supplied with electricity from "clean sources."
The executive order directs federal agencies to accelerate the development of large-scale AI infrastructure at government sites, with new requirements and safeguards for developers working there.
Biden said in a statement that artificial intelligence will have "a major impact on national security and enormous potential to improve the lives of Americans if used responsibly - from helping with medical treatment to... mitigating the effects of climate change."
"We will not allow America to be outdone in developing technology that will define the future, nor should we sacrifice key environmental standards and our collective efforts to protect clean air and clean water," he added.
Under the new rules, the ministries of defense and energy will designate at least three locations each where the private sector will receive approval, after a competitive bidding process, to build AI data storage and processing centers at their own expense, provided that the electricity for them comes from "clean sources."
A big part of today's decision is about reducing bottlenecks in connecting energy-hungry data centers to new sources of electricity.
Today's executive order follows a new restriction on the export of high-powered chips for computers that provide artificial intelligence services. The Biden administration is seen as responding to concerns about US security over the activities of competing manufacturers from other countries.
The proposal has raised concerns among chip industry executives and European Union officials about export restrictions that would affect 120 countries.
Less than a week before Donald Trump takes office as US president, the big question is whether his administration will maintain or repeal Biden's decisions on AI.
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