What the new artificial intelligence initiative does—and doesn't—mean

A new executive order raises a host of questions, from how AI works to whether it will fulfill our science fiction dreams or our nightmares.

On February 11, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to launch the American Artificial Intelligence Initiative, which will focus federal resources on the development of AI. The executive order outlines five key areas of focus: research and development, availability of data and resources, ethical standards and governance, education, and international collaboration that also protects American interests.

“No advance has captured our imagination more than artificial intelligence,” Michael Kratsios, deputy U.S. chief technology officer, wrote in an opinion article for Wired in advance of the official signing. The field offers many promises addressing problems in defense, transportation, medicine, and more. But along with those promises come a slew of concerns—an issue this latest order is intended to

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