Executive Order 14110, titled "Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence," was the 126th executive order signed by U.S. President Joe Biden on October 30, 2023. The order defined the administration's policy goals regarding artificial intelligence and directed executive agencies to take specific actions to achieve those goals. It is widely considered the most comprehensive piece of governance by the United States on AI, addressing issues from national security to civil rights. The order was rescinded by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, within hours of his assuming office, marking a significant shift in U.S. AI policy.
The executive order emerged against a backdrop of rapid advancements in generative AI technologies, including the release of large language models like ChatGPT. Its provisions aimed to balance innovation with risk mitigation, requiring federal agencies to adopt new standards and oversight mechanisms. The order also mandated the creation of dedicated chief artificial intelligence officer positions across major agencies, reflecting a structured approach to AI governance.
Background
The drafting of Executive Order 14110 was motivated by the accelerating pace of AI development in the 2020s, particularly the rise of generative AI models. It was the third executive order explicitly addressing AI, following two earlier orders signed by then-President Donald Trump. Concerns among experts and commentators ranged from existential risks posed by advanced AI to immediate issues like misinformation dissemination, discrimination, and national security threats.
In August 2023, Arati Prabhakar, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, indicated that the White House was expediting work on executive action regarding AI. A week before the order's unveiling, Prabhakar stated that guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) would be released "soon" after the order, signaling a coordinated federal approach.
Policy Goals and Provisions
The order was characterized as an effort to capture AI's potential benefits while mitigating associated risks. Upon signing, Biden noted that AI technologies were developing at "warp speed," arguing that to "realize the promise of AI and avoid the risk, we need to govern this technology." Key policy goals included:
- Promoting competition and innovation in the AI industry
- Upholding civil and labor rights, and protecting consumers and privacy from AI-enabled harms
- Specifying federal policies for procurement and use of AI
- Developing watermarking systems for AI-generated content and preventing intellectual property theft
- Maintaining U.S. global leadership in AI
These goals were operationalized through directives to federal agencies, including the development of new standards and frameworks.
Impact on Agencies
Creation of Chief AI Officer Positions
The executive order required numerous large federal agencies to appoint chief artificial intelligence officers. In the days following the order, FedScoop confirmed that the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Department of Education had appointed such officers. The National Science Foundation (NSF) also elevated an official to serve as its chief AI officer, reflecting the order's broad reach.
Department Responsibilities
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was tasked with developing AI-related security guidelines, including cybersecurity measures. DHS was also directed to collaborate with private sector firms in critical infrastructure sectors, such as energy, to coordinate responses to AI-enabled threats. The Department of Veterans Affairs was mandated to launch an AI technology competition aimed at reducing occupational burnout among healthcare workers through AI-assisted tools for routine tasks.
The Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was required to develop a generative AI-focused resource to supplement the existing AI Risk Management Framework. This resource was intended to provide guidance for developing and deploying generative AI systems safely and securely.
Analysis
The executive order was described as the most comprehensive U.S. government governance on AI to date. Earlier in 2023, the Biden administration had announced a Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights and secured non-binding AI safety commitments from major tech companies. The order came amid legislative efforts, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's push for AI regulation in the 118th United States Congress.
According to Axios, despite its wide scope, the order notably omitted certain AI-related policy proposals. It did not address a licensing regime for advanced AI models, a proposal supported by industry leaders like Sam Altman. It also did not prohibit 'high-risk' uses of AI or mandate that tech companies disclose training data and model details. These omissions were seen as limitations by some observers.
Reception
Political and Media Reception
The Houston Chronicle's editorial board described the order as a "first step toward protecting humanity." Democratic members of Congress, including Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Ted Lieu, praised the order. Representative Don Beyer, who leads the House AI Caucus, called it a "comprehensive strategy for responsible innovation" but argued that Congress must pass legislation. Republican Senator Ted Cruz criticized the draft as creating "barriers to innovation disguised as safety measures."
Public Reception
Polling from the AI Policy Institute showed that 69% of all voters supported the executive order, with 15% opposing it. Support varied by party: 78% of Democrats, 65% of independents, and 64% of Republicans favored the order, indicating broad bipartisan approval.
Industry Reception
The order faced strong criticism from the Chamber of Commerce and tech industry groups including NetChoice and the Software and Information Industry Association, which count major companies like Amazon, Meta, and Google as members. Representatives argued that the order threatened to hinder private sector innovation.
Civil Society Reception
According to CNBC, leaders of advocacy organizations praised the order for its provisions on "AI fairness," while simultaneously expressing concerns about implementation details. The order's focus on civil rights and consumer protection was welcomed, though some groups called for stronger enforcement mechanisms.
Legacy and Rescission
Executive Order 14110 represented a landmark in U.S. AI policy, setting a precedent for federal oversight of emerging technologies. Its rescission on January 20, 2025, by President Trump marked a reversal of that approach, leaving the future of AI governance in the United States uncertain. The order's impact, however, continues to influence discussions on AI regulation and safety standards.