Tech futurist and UN speaker Sinéad Bovell is urging the public to prepare for potentially significant changes in artificial intelligence (AI) policy as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House.
The founder of Waye Talks, Bovell voiced her concerns that a Trump administration would dismantle Biden’s AI executive order, removing key protections aimed at civil rights and the responsible use of AI.
She warns that the priorities under Trump could shift drastically, affecting innovation and ethics within the AI landscape.
According to the founder of Waye Talks, , the likely repeal of the Biden-era AI executive order could mean that “AI safety measures and equitable practices will take a backseat.”
The Biden order introduced mandates such as rigorous testing of AI models before their release, guidelines for upholding civil rights, and responsible government use of AI. Under Trump, Bovell fears these mandates may be eliminated.
She also foresees Elon Musk playing a heightened role in shaping AI policy, given his strong stance on AI safety, which is rooted in concerns that AI could someday pose an existential threat to humanity.
“Elon Musk’s primary concern is preventing AI from taking over humanity,” Bovell explains in a video posted on IG, though she points out this perspective is seen by some as leaning toward science fiction.
Nonetheless, Bovell suggests Musk’s influence may result in AI regulation focused narrowly on existential risks, while other critical areas, such as open-source AI initiatives and equitable innovation, may be neglected.
“We might see Musk’s AI company, XAI, becoming a significant government partner, especially if he takes a larger role on Trump’s tech advisory,” Bovell predict.
She argues that this partnership could impact how open-source AI models are developed, creating hurdles for smaller companies and startups that rely on accessible AI resources. She warns:
“If these shifts go unchecked, we risk sidelining startups and voices from diverse regions and backgrounds, limiting the innovation ecosystem to a narrow worldview.”
In light of these potential changes, Bovell calls on academics and independent scientists to amplify their voices, advocating for an inclusive approach to AI policy.
“Now, more than ever, we need diverse perspectives in AI,” she asserts, stressing the importance of shaping AI technology with broad representation.
She also encourages the public to stay informed and actively participate in discussions on AI, adding, “The more voices involved in this technology, the better.”
