❯ Trump releases a voluntary AI accord with tech companies that calls for external audits

Signed but not bindingAccording to Reuters, Trump released a voluntary AI accord signed with tech leaders, asking companies to partner with external auditors and set up internal controls to monitor AI alignment, meaning whether AI acts as humans intend. Google, OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, xAI and Nvidia signed it at Tuesday’s White House meeting.

Drafted by ZuckerbergAccording to Semafor, the accord grew out of a conversation between Mark Zuckerberg and House Speaker Mike Johnson; Zuckerberg circulated a draft and Jensen Huang helped build support. Trump also said there would be no new federal AI rules. The signed document misspelled “United States,” drawing widespread mockery.

What voluntary is worthThe accord arrives amid public concern over an OpenAI agent breaching an Australian government website and Anthropic warning of “existential risk” in its prospectus. Voluntary commitments carry no enforcement and no penalties, but they give companies a “we already self-regulate” argument against tougher legislation. Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is expanding its probe of OpenAI and Anthropic.

▪ SIGNALRules drafted by the regulated rarely restrain them most; their main effect is deciding how many reasons others still have to restrain them.