In an unprecedented disclosure, a recent report suggests that the RAND Corporation, a well-known nonprofit think tank, has wielded considerable influence in shaping President Joe Biden’s recent AI executive order. This disclosure comes from an AI researcher familiar with the situation, claiming that RAND actively advocated for specific provisions within the executive order.
These provisions, in an intriguing turn of events, align closely with the AI policy objectives of Open Philanthropy, a group financially backed by prominent tech billionaires. The substantial donation of over $15 million from these tech tycoons to RAND raises questions about the potential impact of such financial backing on policy development.
Crafting the order – A closer look at RAND’s role
Under the magnifying glass, RAND Corporation’s involvement in the crafting of President Biden’s AI executive order becomes clearer. The American nonprofit, renowned for its impartial research, stands accused of advocating for provisions that mirrored the objectives of Open Philanthropy. The latter, a group supported by influential tech entrepreneurs, recently injected a substantial sum—over $15 million—into RAND’s coffers. This injection of funds sparks curiosity about the extent of influence wielded by external backers in shaping policy recommendations.
The executive order, issued in late October, stands as a milestone in the government’s approach to artificial intelligence. It establishes the White House AI Council, a pivotal entity tasked with coordinating federal AI actions. Also, the order introduces safety tests designed to assess AI technologies that may pose potential threats to national security. While RAND acknowledges its role in contributing to the crafting of the executive order, it vehemently denies any impropriety in incorporating the policy objectives advocated by Open Philanthropy.
Funding influence – The intersection of tech billionaires and policy advocacy
The intersection of tech billionaire backing and policy advocacy takes center stage as Open Philanthropy’s objectives align seamlessly with the provisions advocated by RAND. The AI researcher, privy to the situation, reveals that RAND actively pushed for certain measures within the executive order that mirror the policy goals of Open Philanthropy. The significant financial contribution from tech billionaires to RAND raises questions about the potential influence wielded by external funders in shaping national policies on artificial intelligence.
A RAND spokesperson, yet, maintains that the funding sources exert no influence on the outcome of their research or policy recommendations. Despite this assurance, the intricate connections between think tanks, financial backers, and policy outcomes raise eyebrows about the transparency and independence of the policy-making process.
Unraveling the AI Executive Order intersection
As the revelations surrounding RAND’s role in shaping Biden’s AI executive order unfold, questions linger about the intersection of funding and policy influence. Can the assurances from the RAND spokesperson about the independence of their research withstand scrutiny in an era where financial backing increasingly plays a significant role in shaping the technological landscape? The evolving dynamics between think tanks and influential backers underscore the need for a closer examination of the intricate relationships that shape national policies on artificial intelligence.
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