In a bid to bolster security and safeguard sensitive data, the Biden administration is gearing up to introduce new regulations targeting cloud computing companies.
In a bid to bolster security and safeguard sensitive data, the Biden administration is gearing up to introduce new regulations targeting cloud computing companies. These proposed measures, termed “know your customer” regulations, are designed to ascertain the identity of entities accessing U.S. cloud technology for training artificial intelligence (AI) models, according to statements made by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in a recent Reuters report.
Anticipated to be unveiled as early as next week, the regulations are a response to the escalating concerns surrounding the security implications of the rapidly advancing AI sector. With a focus on preventing non-state actors and unauthorized entities from gaining access to American cloud infrastructure, the Biden administration aims to ensure the robust protection of vital data.
Raimondo emphasized the need to implement controls on chips exported for use in American cloud data centers. By doing so, the government aims to close potential avenues for malicious activity, reinforcing the security of the cloud infrastructure that plays a pivotal role in the development and deployment of AI technologies.
The forthcoming regulations seek to establish a comprehensive framework for identifying and monitoring customers utilizing cloud services for training large AI models. This requirement is envisioned to provide the U.S. government with enhanced visibility into the entities accessing American cloud infrastructure and the purposes for which it is being utilized.
Under the proposed regulations, cloud companies will be mandated to disclose information about their largest customers and the specific AI models undergoing training. This transparency is intended to empower the government to assess potential security risks and take prompt and effective action in response to emerging threats.
The three major players in the cloud computing industry—Amazon, Microsoft, and Alphabet’s Google—have been actively promoting generative AI as a key business driver. The technology has taken center stage in their sales pitches, especially since the widespread success of OpenAI’s chatbot. These industry giants have significantly increased their spending on generative AI systems, allocating substantial portions of their capital budgets to support the computing and data power required by these advanced technologies.
Simultaneously, the Biden administration has been laying the groundwork for essential standards and guidance to ensure the secure deployment of generative AI.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), under the Commerce Department, is leading this effort by developing comprehensive guidelines for evaluating AI, fostering the establishment of industry standards, and outlining testing requirements for AI systems.
As part of this initiative, NIST has sought input from both AI companies and the public, placing particular emphasis on generative AI risk management and strategies to mitigate the risks associated with AI-generated misinformation. The collaborative approach underscores the administration’s commitment to engaging various stakeholders in shaping policies that balance innovation with security.
In conclusion, the Biden administration’s proposed “know your customer” regulations represent a proactive step towards enhancing the security of U.S. cloud infrastructure in the context of the booming AI sector.
By requiring transparency from cloud computing companies, the government aims to fortify its ability to identify and address potential security threats, ensuring the responsible and secure development of AI technologies in the United States. As the regulations take shape, industry stakeholders will be closely watching for their impact on the evolving landscape of cloud computing and artificial intelligence.