United States of America: Announced NIST-DOE memorandum of understanding on advanced artificial intelligence models

On 30 October 2024, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the Department of Energy (EOE) to collaborate on safety research, testing, and evaluation of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models and systems. The MoU applies to sectors involved in AI research and development, particularly those focusing on public safety, critical infrastructure, and energy security. It imposes obligations on the parties to conduct joint research efforts and share information, as well as to evaluate the implications of AI on public safety. The MoU focuses on risks associated with chemical and biological factors and privacy-enhancing technologies. The MoU is expected to advance the US AI Safety Institute's efforts in AI safety research.