Nidhish Waghmare
The U.S. president plays a crucial role in shaping U.S. policy on technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and semiconductor chips. During the Biden administration, the focus has been on competing with China by enhancing domestic chip production, enforcing export controls, addressing antitrust issues with U.S. tech companies, and leading on AI safety through federal guidelines. Here’s USA’s Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump’s take on regulation of big tech and AI ahead of the elections.
If Trump wins the election, there may be a reduced emphasis on regulating technologies like AI, coupled with increased trade restrictions with China, efforts to bring critical supply chains back to the U.S., and a stronger focus on protecting national interests.
How the Trump Administration will take on Big Tech companies
Arthur Herman, senior fellow and director of the Quantum Alliance Initiative at the Hudson Institute spoke on the topic. He also served on the National Security Council under the former Trump administration. Herman noted that Biden and Trump are likely to have different approaches to major tech companies such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Meta.
While both administrations have addressed antitrust issues with these companies, the Biden administration has aimed to collaborate with them on understanding technologies like AI.
Herman anticipates that under a second Trump administration, there will be greater resistance to big tech’s influence on regulation. He expects that big tech companies will be treated with scepticism and kept at a distance.
Trump’s AI policy turns the Silicon Valley towards him
A draft executive order by Trump allies proposes a major shift in AI regulation. Created by the America First Policy Institute, led by Larry Kudlow, it suggests an industry-driven approach for AI safety and security.
The plan includes setting up “industry-led” agencies to handle AI evaluations and developing cutting-edge military AI through “Manhattan Projects.”
The narrative appears influenced by recent endorsements for Trump from figures like Marc Andreessen, Joe Lonsdale, and Elon Musk. The Trump camp has been actively courting tech companies and investors, particularly those in the AI sector.
While it’s still unknown how exactly the administration will be executing their manifesto, it’s pretty evident, the contrast between Donald Trump’s policy towards AI and Big Tech and Democratic party Presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ take on it.
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