Overview of Federal Actions on AI

Since 2019, the United States federal government has taken significant steps to shape the future of artificial intelligence (AI) through a series of executive orders and policy memoranda. These Federal actions on AI have been designed to provide clear direction for the development, deployment, and oversight of AI technologies within federal agencies. The primary objectives of these initiatives are to promote American leadership in the field of AI, create robust ethical and technical standards, and protect civil liberties. By guiding the responsible integration of AI into public services, federal policies aim to ensure that innovation is balanced with accountability and the public good.

Executive Order: Maintaining American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence – February 2019

Executive Order 13,859, February 2019, established the American AI Initiative, initiating a coordinated federal strategy to enhance the United States’ position in artificial intelligence. The order directed federal agencies to focus on advancing AI research and development, encouraging agencies to increase investment and support for breakthroughs in the field. It also placed a strong emphasis on fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors to accelerate innovation and the practical application of AI technologies.

A critical component of this initiative was the creation of education and training programs aimed at building a skilled workforce prepared for the evolving demands of an AI-driven economy. The order recognized workforce development as essential for U.S. competitiveness, supporting Americans in adapting to jobs impacted by AI advancements.

To promote trustworthy AI, the executive order emphasized the development and adoption of technical standards and ethical guidelines. These measures were designed to ensure that AI systems are safe, secure, fair, and reliable in their operation and outcomes. Moreover, the order called for the removal of outdated regulations that might impede AI innovation, streamlining processes to facilitate technological progress.

International collaboration was another key element, as the order encouraged working with global partners to advance U.S. values in AI on the world stage. Throughout all efforts, the order underscored the importance of protecting civil liberties and privacy during the development and deployment of AI systems. By establishing these priorities, Executive Order 13,859 laid a strong foundation for future federal AI policy, focusing on investment, ethics, and collaboration to sustain American leadership in artificial intelligence.

• Advance artificial intelligence research by increasing federal investment and supporting significant technological breakthroughs.
• Facilitate workforce development initiatives to equip Americans for employment opportunities influenced by AI advancements.
• Foster trustworthy artificial intelligence through the establishment of technical standards and the adoption of ethical guidelines that ensure system safety, security, fairness, and reliability.
• Eliminate regulatory obstacles that hinder innovation in artificial intelligence.
• Maintain international leadership by collaborating with global partners to promote U.S. values in the field of artificial intelligence.
• Safeguard civil liberties and privacy throughout the development and deployment of AI technologies.

OMB Memorandum M-21-06 (November 2020): Guidance for Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Applications

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released Memorandum M-21-06 in November 2020 to offer federal agencies a clear framework for regulating artificial intelligence applications. This memorandum addressed both regulatory and non-regulatory strategies, aiming to support agencies in the responsible oversight of AI technologies. Central to the guidance were ten stewardship principles that agencies are encouraged to uphold throughout the development and deployment of AI systems.

The following principles guide the responsible development and governance of artificial intelligence:

• Foster public trust in AI by implementing transparent and accountable practices.
• Encourage meaningful public engagement to ensure AI applications address diverse needs and perspectives.
• Uphold scientific integrity throughout AI research and deployment.
• Perform comprehensive risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential harms related to AI use.
• Assess both the benefits and costs of AI to support well-informed, balanced decision-making.
• Maintain adaptable regulatory frameworks that keep pace with technological advancements.
• Ensure fairness in both the deployment and impact of AI systems.
• Increase transparency regarding AI processes, decisions, and outcomes.
• Prioritize safety in all stages of AI technology development and operation.
• Promote effective interagency coordination for cohesive federal AI governance.

Through these stewardship principles, Memorandum M-21-06 seeks to reduce unnecessary barriers to AI innovation while maintaining responsible stewardship and ensuring that public accountability remains at the forefront of federal AI initiatives.

Executive Order 13,960 (December 2020): Promoting the Use of Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence in the Federal Government

Executive Order 13,960 established a comprehensive framework for the federal government’s use of artificial intelligence (AI), prioritizing the interests and well-being of the American public. The order emphasized the need to protect privacy, uphold civil rights, and maintain core American values throughout the adoption and implementation of AI technologies.

To guide federal agencies, the order identified nine foundational principles for the design, development, acquisition, and use of AI. These principles served as a blueprint to ensure that AI systems deployed by the government were trustworthy, ethical, and aligned with the nation’s values. Agencies were required to rigorously apply these principles at every stage of their AI initiatives.

In addition, Executive Order 13,960 mandated federal agencies to publicly disclose their AI use cases. This commitment to openness aimed to foster greater transparency and build public trust in the government’s use of AI. By making information about AI applications accessible to the public, the order sought to ensure accountability and demonstrate the responsible stewardship of emerging technologies in service of the American people.

Executive Order 14,110 (October 2023): Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of AI

Guiding Principles for Federal AI Advancement

Executive Order 14,110 established eight guiding principles to direct federal agencies in the progress and governance of artificial intelligence. These principles emphasize the creation of clear guidelines and best practices for the safe, secure, and trustworthy utilization of AI technologies. The order requires agencies to build risk management frameworks, with special attention to generative AI, and to initiate programs that rigorously evaluate AI capabilities for safety and the prevention of harm. It further mandates close collaboration among key stakeholders—including the Secretary of Commerce, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Secretary of Energy—to develop industry standards and ensure secure practices across AI applications.

Federal Implementation and Oversight Measures

In alignment with these directives, federal agencies have broadened their efforts to integrate AI responsibly within government operations. This includes the development of comprehensive implementation plans, the appointment of chief AI officers to oversee agency AI activities, and active engagement with both external experts and the public. These measures are designed to enhance transparency, strengthen accountability, improve the quality of data, and foster regulatory environments that support innovation. Additionally, the order calls for the establishment of mechanisms to continuously monitor and assess the performance and impact of AI systems. Collectively, these initiatives reinforce the federal government’s commitment to advancing AI in a manner that upholds democratic values, supports national competitiveness, builds public trust, and protects individual rights.

Executive Order 14,210 (April 2025): Advancing Responsible Artificial Intelligence in Federal Operations

Executive Order 14,210 was issued in response to the rapid evolution of AI technologies and their growing influence on public services. Building upon previous federal directives, this order required the establishment of unified federal standards to ensure AI safety, ethical use, and robust data protection across all agencies. To further these objectives, every federal agency must implement comprehensive risk management protocols for AI, prioritize the inclusive and equitable deployment of AI systems, and boost transparency by providing annual public reports on the performance and societal impact of AI applications within their operations.

Key Provisions

• Emphasize human oversight in the operation and decision-making processes of AI systems to maintain accountability and ensure alignment with public values.
• Promote equitable access to AI-enabled services, ensuring that all members of the public can benefit from advancements in AI regardless of background or status.
• Increase investments in workforce training programs, with a particular focus on AI literacy and safety, to prepare federal employees to manage and oversee AI technologies responsibly.
• Conduct regular audits of AI algorithms to detect and address potential biases, thereby supporting the development of fair and trustworthy AI systems.
• Establish advisory committees comprised of diverse stakeholders, providing continued guidance for policy development and ensuring that a wide range of perspectives inform the federal AI agenda.

The order further created a federal AI oversight committee responsible for reviewing agency compliance with these mandates and promoting collaboration across sectors. This committee plays a crucial role in addressing emerging challenges related to algorithmic discrimination and broader systemic risks associated with AI. By reinforcing robust accountability mechanisms and supporting innovation, Executive Order 14,210 is designed to ensure that the integration of AI technologies within federal operations upholds democratic values, strengthens public trust, and advances the well-being of society as a whole.

Conclusion

Collectively, these federal actions establish a comprehensive approach to AI governance, ensuring that technological advancements align with democratic values and societal needs. Regular assessments and transparent reporting encourage agencies to address challenges such as algorithmic bias and data security vulnerabilities. This ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship is critical to maintaining public confidence as AI becomes increasingly integrated into government operations and services.