What The White House 'AI Action Plan' Means For Advertisers

The White House on Wednesday released its AI Action Plan, a set of proposals developed by the Trump administration to meet the United States' goal for dominance in artificial intelligence (AI). Here is what we know so far. 

The 90 federal actions focus on three areas: increasing private-sector innovation, expanding AI-related infrastructure and exporting American AI. The goal is set on "winning the AI race" against global competitors like China.

“The United States must also drive adoption of American AI systems, computing hardware, and standards throughout the world,” according to the document. “America currently is the global leader on data center construction, computing hardware performance, and models.”

Leveraging the U.S.’s advantage as a global alliance is only one focus. The other is to prevent adversaries from “free riding” on U.S. innovations and investments.

Positive and negative regulations are held within the plan. Technology companies have asked for deregulation, which they say will benefit advertisers.

The plan emphasizes the removal of what it considers onerous regulations and red tape. It also could reduce barriers to AI adoption, although many are concerned about the potential for undermining data and physical consumer protection.

Others are concerned that the plan will prioritize AI development over consumer safeguards, and could lead to increased skepticism toward and distrust of AI-powered advertising, potentially impacting ad effectiveness and brand reputation.