AI Policy: White House Receives Public Comments on Copyright & Tariffs

Public Input Shapes National AI Policy

Over 10,000 comments were submitted to the White House by individuals, industry groups, and local governments regarding the ongoing development of the national AI policy, also referred to as the AI Action Plan. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released these submissions as a comprehensive PDF document, totaling 18,480 pages, on Thursday.

Diverse Concerns Expressed in Comments

The submitted comments address a wide spectrum of issues, encompassing areas such as copyright law and the potential environmental impact of AI data centers. This influx of feedback coincides with a shift in the U.S. government’s AI priorities under President Donald Trump and his administration.

Reversal of Prior Executive Order

In January, President Trump rescinded the AI Executive Order previously enacted by former President Joe Biden. This prior order had tasked the National Institute of Standards and Technology with creating guidelines to assist companies in identifying and rectifying flaws within AI models, including inherent biases. Those aligned with Trump contended that the reporting mandates were excessively burdensome and risked the disclosure of proprietary trade secrets.

New Directive Focused on Unbiased Development

Following the revocation of the previous order, President Trump issued a new directive instructing federal agencies to prioritize the advancement of AI development, ensuring it remains “free from ideological bias” and promotes “human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security.” Notably, this new order did not include any provisions for addressing AI discrimination, a central component of Biden’s earlier initiative.

The Stakes in the AI Race

The comments received by the White House clearly demonstrate the significant implications of the ongoing AI race.

Copyright and AI Training Data

Many commenters voiced concerns about the exploitative nature of AI training, arguing that creatives are not adequately compensated for the use of their work. They urged the Trump administration to strengthen copyright regulations. Conversely, entities like the VC firm Andreessen Horowitz argued that such regulations could hinder AI development.

Industry Calls for Flexible Regulations

Companies such as Google and OpenAI have previously advocated for more accommodating rules concerning AI training data in their earlier submissions regarding the AI Action Plan.

Importance of Research Funding

Organizations including Americans for Prosperity, The Future of Life Institute, and the American Academy of Nursing highlighted the critical need for continued investment in research, particularly as the federal government implements cuts to scientific grants. AI experts have been critical of the Trump administration’s recent reductions in scientific funding, especially those initiated by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.

Impact of Tariffs on AI Development

Several commenters raised concerns about the potential negative effects of the Trump administration’s tariffs on foreign goods, suggesting they could impede domestic AI initiatives. The Data Center Coalition, representing the data center industry, stated that tariffs on infrastructure components “will limit and slow” U.S. AI investments. The Information Technology Industry Council, representing companies like Amazon, Intel, and Microsoft, called for “smart” tariffs that would protect domestic industries without triggering harmful trade wars.

Concerns Regarding AI Censorship

A limited number of comments addressed the issue of “AI censorship,” a topic of significant concern for many of President Trump’s close advisors. Elon Musk and David Sacks, appointed as a crypto and AI “czar,” have alleged that popular chatbots suppress conservative viewpoints, with Sacks specifically criticizing ChatGPT for perceived inaccuracies on politically sensitive topics.

The Intractable Problem of AI Bias

It is important to note that bias in AI represents a complex and persistent technical challenge. Even Musk’s own AI company, xAI, has encountered difficulties in developing a chatbot that avoids endorsing certain political perspectives.

Building an AI Policy Team

President Trump has been actively working to assemble a dedicated AI policy team in recent months.

Key Appointments to OSTP

In March, the Senate confirmed Michael Kratsios as the director of the OSTP, a role in which he previously focused on AI policy during Trump’s first term. Late last year, Trump appointed former VC Sriram Krishnan as the White House’s senior policy advisor for AI.