Anthropic Proposes Recommendations to OSTP for a National AI Strategy

A company focused on AI safety and research, Anthropic has formally submitted its recommendations to the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) following the White House's Request for Information regarding an AI Action Plan. 

The company stresses the urgency for proactive measures to sustain the nation's leading position in AI technology. Their recommendations outline six critical areas aimed at balancing economic benefits with security concerns, ensuring that the advantages of AI are accessible to all Americans.  

One significant suggestion emphasizes national security evaluations, recommending that government bodies devise comprehensive strategies to assess both domestic and international AI models for potential security threats. This entails creating standardized evaluation frameworks, establishing secure testing environments, and forming dedicated teams to pinpoint weaknesses in active AI systems.  

Another suggestion advocates for tighter export regulations on semiconductors to ensure that the United States and allied nations can fully capitalize on advanced AI technologies while restricting access to critical AI resources from rival nations. This plan includes actions such as limiting exports of H20 chips, mandating formal agreements between governments for countries hosting expansive chip installations, and reducing the thresholds for export exemptions.  

To bolster the security surrounding AI research and development, Anthropic proposes enhancing protective measures within AI laboratories. This would involve establishing secure communication pathways between AI facilities and intelligence agencies, streamlining security clearance processes for industry experts, and creating sophisticated security protocols for AI infrastructures.  

Acknowledging the significant energy requirements tied to AI progress, the company recommends a significant upgrade to the nation’s energy infrastructure. They specifically suggest adding 50 gigawatts of dedicated power by 2027 alongside reforming permitting and regulatory approval processes to improve efficiency.  

Anthropic also pushes for an accelerated integration of AI within government frameworks by thoroughly reviewing federal procedures that could benefit from AI enhancements. They propose assigning responsibilities to agency leaders to implement AI-led initiatives that would yield meaningful public advantages.  

Lastly, to prepare for the broader economic implications that AI may usher in, the firm suggests modernizing data collection techniques, such as revising Census Bureau surveys, and developing strategies to adeptly navigate the economic shifts driven by AI innovations.  

These suggestions are in line with Anthropic’s wider policy objectives that emphasize responsible AI expansion alongside stringent testing and assessment. Their overarching aim is to strike a balance between fostering AI-driven innovation and addressing the inherent risks associated with increasingly sophisticated AI technologies.  

Additionally, Anthropic The firm notes the rapid advancements in AI capabilities as evidence that powerful AI systems are emerging quickly. They highlight the release of their Claude 3.7 Sonnet and Claude Code models, showcasing impressive enhancements in performance and autonomy, in addition to similar strides made by other leading AI research institutions.

White House Seeks Public Contributions for National AI Strategy

In a significant move, President Donald Trump has overturned the previous executive order on AI established by former President Joe Biden, introducing a fresh directive that aims to enhance US leadership in the AI domain. This initiative includes the rollout of an 'AI Action Plan' designed to promote American innovation and influence in this evolving field.  

Lynne Parker, the principal deputy director at OSTP, expressed the Trump administration's dedication to maintaining United States' preeminence in AI technology. She elaborated that the AI Action Plan marks a foundational step toward securing and extending national leadership in AI, emphasizing the administration's commitment to incorporating public feedback and innovative suggestions into the strategy.  

The White House first revealed its call for public input on AI-related federal initiatives back in February. Now, they are actively collecting opinions on the specific measures to be included in the AI Action Plan, which is slated to be finalized within the next 180 days.  

To ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has highlighted its desire for input from a broad spectrum of stakeholders. This outreach includes voices from academia, industry groups, private sector companies, and various levels of government, including state, local, and tribal entities. The ultimate goal is to craft a thorough AI strategy that encompasses diverse viewpoints and expertise.