U.S. Artificial Intelligence Regulation During the Biden Administration

The past four years have seen a notable evolution in the United States’ approach to regulating artificial intelligence (AI). Under the leadership of President Joseph Biden, the U.S. federal government has demonstrated a much greater willingness to address risks of harm posed by AI systems proactively. Yet in so doing, it has remained committed to fostering an environment conducive to innovation, continuing to show a preference for voluntary self-regulatory measures and sector-specific oversight rather than heavy handed interventions. This article examines the major regulatory developments that have taken place during the Biden administration, including those at the federal level － such as the recent landmark Executive Order on AI, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) AI Risk Management Framework, and actions by specific agencies － as well as the flurry of legislative activity occurring at the state level. While questions remain about the long-term trajectory of AI regulation in the U.S., a clear governance framework has taken shape over the past four years that reflects a deliberate effort to balance safeguarding of public and national interests with the goals of promoting technological advancement and economic competitiveness.