Trump signs narrower executive order on AI oversight after industry objections

In a significant move, President Donald Trump has enacted an executive order aimed at enhancing oversight of advanced AI technologies. Signed on Tuesday, the order establishes a framework for certain AI companies to voluntarily present new models for government evaluation 30 days prior to public release. This timeline is a modification from an earlier draft that proposed a 90-day advance review, which faced resistance from industry leaders advocating for a shorter, two-week notice. The decision to finalize a less stringent version of the order follows considerable pushback from the tech community, including notable figures like venture capitalist and former White House AI advisor David Sacks. Trump previously indicated a desire not to hinder the competitiveness of AI firms against China, emphasizing the importance of innovation in the sector. The executive order explicitly states that it does not permit the establishment of mandatory licensing or preclearance requirements for new AI models. Initially, Trump had intended to sign the order in a public ceremony alongside several influential Silicon Valley CEOs, but ultimately opted for a private signing. Beyond the voluntary review process, the order instructs the Department of Justice to prioritize enforcement against crimes related to AI, such as hacking and unauthorized access. This latest executive action follows a previous order from December, which aimed at creating a cohesive national AI policy framework, designed to prevent conflicting state laws on artificial intelligence.