Contact: media@colorofchange.org
In Light of President Biden’s Executive Order on AI, Rashad Robinson, President of Color Of Change, issued the following statement:
“President Biden’s Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence is a positive step towards curbing AI-driven racial biases, and takes concrete steps to put the Administration’s AI Bill of Rights into practice. At the same time, we urge Congress to take this Executive Order as a legislative prescription to provide clear enforcement mechanisms and dedicated resources to effectively combat racial discrimination in AI technologies. Mechanisms addressing racial discrimination in AI are vital as they provide a structured way to monitor, identify, and rectify biased algorithms. These mechanisms can ensure accountability, deter discriminatory practices, and foster a fair and equitable digital environment. Without such enforcement, AI systems will no doubt perpetuate and worsen existing racial biases, leading to adverse impacts on Black communities and our society overall.
“ In areas already marred by racial bias such as our criminal legal system, housing, and health care, AI tools should only be employed when stringent anti-discrimination safeguards are firmly established. This Executive Order enables Executive Branch Agencies to establish clear restrictions on AI usage within their regulatory jurisdictions, and it marks progress towards regulating AI’s broad applications. Despite the lack of Congressional action, it’s vital we continue advocating for stricter safeguards in government agencies until solid racial bias mitigation measures are in place. Color Of Change will continue to demand safety measures that ensure AI is used in a fair, equitable and just manner. We call on Congress to enact proposed legislation for online safety such as the Algorithmic Accountability Act, the American Data Privacy and Protection Act, the Fourth Amendment is Not for Sale Act, and the Digital Consumer Protection Commission Act. This Executive Order is a commendable initial stride to address algorithmic discrimination and racially-biased AI technology.”
###
About Color Of Change:
Color Of Change is the nation’s largest online racial justice organization. We help people respond effectively to injustice in the world around us. Color Of Change has been an outspoken voice in the push for digital protections for Black communities to ensure our safety online, including advocating for such regulations as outlined in the proposal.
As a national online force driven by over 7 million members, we move decision-makers in corporations and government to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America. Visit www.colorofchange.org.