Apple Joins Industry Pledge to Ensure AI Safety Amid Growing Concerns Over Technology’s Impact
On July 26, 2024, the White House announced that Apple had committed to following a set of voluntary safeguards aimed at mitigating the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI). The company joined over a dozen tech giants, including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, who had previously pledged to adhere to these guidelines.
The safeguards, first introduced by the Biden administration in 2023, focus on safe, secure, and transparent AI development. A key aspect of these measures includes “red teaming,” a testing technique where companies simulate cyberattacks on AI models to uncover vulnerabilities. The safeguards also address societal and national security concerns, such as cyber-attacks and the potential misuse of AI in developing biological weapons.
Apple’s involvement comes on the heels of the company’s June unveiling of its AI features under the “Apple Intelligence” brand. This move was seen as part of Apple’s strategy to assure users it is keeping pace with the growing AI landscape, which has raised concerns regarding its impact on society and national security.
The company also announced a partnership with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT to iPhone users, marking its entry into the generative AI space. President Biden had signed an executive order in 2023 requiring AI developers to share the results of safety tests with the US government, further pushing for regulation in the sector.
This shift reflects growing concerns over the societal implications of AI, including job displacement, security risks, and potential loss of control over advanced AI systems.
