Apple has become the latest tech giant to sign on to the Biden administration’s voluntary commitments for the safe development of artificial intelligence (AI). This move aligns Apple with 15 other major technology companies, including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and OpenAI, in pledging to ensure the responsible use of AI technology.The voluntary guidelines, first announced in July 2023, aim to address potential risks associated with AI development and use. Key commitments include conducting internal and external security testing of AI systems before their release, sharing information about AI risks with the government and other companies, and developing content labeling systems for AI-generated content.As part of this agreement, companies are required to use ‘red teaming’ techniques to simulate attacks on AI models, identifying potential vulnerabilities and shortcomings. The guidelines also emphasize the need for transparency, with companies agreeing to share the results of their AI safety tests with governments, civil society, and academia.Apple’s commitment comes as the company prepares to launch its own AI offering, Apple Intelligence, which will incorporate generative AI into its core products. Additionally, Apple plans to partner with OpenAI to allow users to access the ChatGPT application on their smartphones.While the move has been generally welcomed, some critics, including the Electronic Privacy Information Center, argue that voluntary commitments may not be sufficient. They call for Congress and federal regulators to implement enforceable guardrails to ensure AI use is fair, transparent, and protects individuals’ privacy and civil rights.The Biden administration hopes these guidelines will support innovation while ensuring AI systems are reliable, secure, and fair. As the AI landscape continues to evolve rapidly, the collective efforts of these tech giants are expected to shape the future of AI development, prioritizing security and responsibility.
Key points
- Apple has agreed to follow voluntary AI safety guidelines set by the Biden administration.
- The guidelines include measures such as ‘red teaming’ to identify AI vulnerabilities and sharing information about AI risks.
- Apple plans to launch its own AI offering, Apple Intelligence, and integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its products.
- Critics argue that voluntary commitments may not be sufficient to ensure responsible AI development.
