Donald Trump’s new executive order on artificial intelligence
At 4:10 PM on June 5, Donald Trump signed an executive order introducing government oversight for advanced AI models. The directive requires safety checks before any such model can enter the market. However, the order was delayed and its provisions were softened after pressure from the tech industry.
Changes to the executive order’s provisions
The original version of the order called for voluntary model reviews 90 days before public release. A simplified version shortened that review window to 30 days. Notably, the document does not require companies to participate in the review process—it merely offers them the option to take part in an evaluation. During these checks, authorities will assess whether a model has advanced cyber capabilities and whether it should be classified as a “frontier model” under supervision. Such a designation could restrict how the model is distributed and sold.
Tech industry figures, including David Sacks and Elon Musk, voiced concerns that these requirements could slow down AI development. Meanwhile, George Osborne, head of OpenAI’s country operations, commented:
“Democratic governments must play a key role in how such technologies are used and deployed.” – George Osborne
He also stressed that “governments should build strong regulatory bodies, but leave them enough flexibility to operate in the future.”
Critics argue the new order is not strong enough, pointing out that its limitations may fail to provide the level of control needed over AI development. Debate continues over how to strike the right balance between regulation and innovation—a challenge that remains pressing for modern society.
This executive order highlights the importance of regulating AI technologies, given their potential to significantly impact safety and ethics. At the same time, the softening of requirements reflects industry pushback, which may signal fears of stifling innovation. Future discussions must focus not only on regulation but also on ensuring that these technologies are used for the public good, without endangering security.
As discussions around AI regulation intensify, the concerns raised by experts are becoming increasingly significant. A recent warning from a Nobel laureate highlights the potential risks of losing control over artificial intelligence. This ongoing debate underscores the urgency for effective oversight in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.