U.S. National AI Initiative Act Enacted — January 1, 2021
The National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act became law, establishing a whole-of-government structure for AI research, governance, and international coordination.
Title II of Public Law 116-283 codified the National AI Initiative, mandating interagency coordination through the National AI Initiative Office, authorising the National AI Advisory Committee, and directing NIST, NSF, and other agencies to expand trustworthy AI research.
- Governance architecture. The statute formalised an interagency committee, a coordination office housed in OSTP, and new advisory councils.
- Research infrastructure. Congress authorised expanded funding for AI research institutes, standards development, and testbeds.
- International engagement. The act called for partnerships on AI safety, ethics, and competitiveness with allies.
Compliance teams should align U.S. federal engagements with the structures and reporting obligations set by the act.