First-Ever U.S. Consortium Established for AI Safety

In a groundbreaking announcement, The U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, has unveiled the establishment of the U.S. AI Safety Institute Consortium (AISIC). The primary objective of this initiative is to bring together a diverse array of AI creators and users, academics, government and industry researchers, and civil society organizations with the goal of supporting the development and deployment of safe and reliable artificial intelligence (AI).

The AISIC, which will be housed under the U.S. AI Safety Institute (USAISI), will play a key role in implementing the guidelines outlined in President Biden’s Executive Order. These guidelines encompass the development of protocols for red-teaming, capability evaluations, risk management, safety and security, and watermarking synthetic content. With its focus on AI safety, the consortium will serve as the largest collection of test and evaluation teams to date and will work on establishing the foundations for a new measurement science in AI safety.

The consortium has a membership of over 200 companies and organizations, all of which are at the forefront of creating and utilizing advanced AI systems and hardware. This includes leading companies, innovative startups, civil society and academic teams, and representatives of professions deeply engaged in the use of AI. Furthermore, the consortium includes state and local governments, non-profits, as well as organizations from like-minded nations, to form a comprehensive network focused on developing interoperable and effective tools for safety across the globe.

During a press briefing on February 8, 2024, Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio emphasized the importance of this consortium in addressing challenges of national importance. She underscored the need to understand the capabilities, limitations, and impacts of AI and how it will transform our society. This pioneering collaboration is poised to play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and responsible use of AI.

The full list of consortium participants is available online for individuals interested in learning more about this groundbreaking initiative. Furthermore, the Department of Commerce has released a detailed press statement outlining the key aspects of the consortium’s formation and its objectives.