The White House’s AI task force convened Thursday to discuss the "evolving cyber threat environment" and measures to strengthen critical infrastructure against potential attacks, an administration official told Semafor.
Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, who leads the task force, briefed members on work by technology CEOs who signed the White House AI accord. According to the official, Clayton said those companies are collaborating to develop "a common set of industry standards."
Clayton also signaled that the administration is considering adding additional firms to the accord. Officials including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross provided updates on pre-release testing of AI models being conducted at the National Institute of Standards & Technology’s (NIST) AI unit.
The task force also voiced a desire for Congress to reauthorize cyber and information-sharing related legislation, and officials are still assessing whether to recommend new bills.
Notably, the administration official said the ongoing Nvidia scandal was not discussed during the meeting.
Why this matters
The meeting underscores the administration’s focus on coordinating industry standards for AI, using independent testing at NIST to evaluate models prior to release, and seeking legislative frameworks to support cyber defense and information sharing.
(The reporting is based on information provided to Semafor by a government official.)
