National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (NAIAC) Meeting

Remarks as prepared.

I am delighted to join you for the fourth meeting of the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee, or NAIAC.

Let me start by taking a moment to thank NAIAC Chair Miriam Vogel and Vice-Chair James Manyika and all the members for your efforts and for your service. 

As you know, the National AI Initiative Act of 2020 called for the establishment of this committee to advise the president and federal agencies on a range of issues related to AI, and sets a specific scope for the committee’s activities.

I spoke with you at this same place on May 4, 2022, when NAIAC met for the first time. A lot has happened since then. Discussions about AI, and generative AI in particular, are in the news every day. 

With this backdrop, it is very timely that the committee will be discussing its first formal report, which covers the first year of its three-year appointment. 

AI technologies are considered the most powerful and transformative technologies of our time. AI technologies have significant potential to transform society and people’s lives — from commerce and health to transportation and cybersecurity to the environment and our planet. AI technologies can drive inclusive economic growth and support scientific advancements that improve the conditions of our world. 

AI technologies, however, also pose risks that can negatively impact individuals, groups, organizations, communities, society, the environment and the planet. We must ensure AI-driven systems are trustworthy and responsible, while also fueling innovation and opportunity at the public and private levels. 

In the words of the committee members, “This is a moment of both significant opportunity and complexity.’’

AI research, evaluations and standards is a priority for NIST and for the Department of Commerce. NIST will continue to work with the community to conduct research and develop technically sound standards, interoperable evaluations and benchmarks, and usable practice guides.

NIST continues its collaboration with stakeholders and U.S. allies and partners to ensure that international standards for AI prioritize trustworthiness characteristics such as safety, security, privacy and fairness so that the technologies benefit all people in a fair and responsible way and their harmful impacts are managed and minimized. 

We’re very grateful that you have been willing to lend your wealth of knowledge and expertise to this committee. Your work will help keep America at the cutting edge of technology and ensure that America’s workers and businesses stay competitive in the global economy.

This is an exciting time for NAIAC, discussing your first year report, but also for everyone who is engaged in AI technologies, and I am so glad to be here as we continue to make advances in trustworthy and responsible AI.

I look forward to reading your final report and your recommendations.