1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The federal government's executive order aiming to strip artificial intelligence (AI) systems of so-called "woke" ideologies raises significant concerns about preserving the integrity and reliability of this rapidly advancing technology. Forcing AI companies to remove safety guardrails and protections against bias, misinformation, and hate speech could undermine public trust and impede the responsible development of AI. Instead of succumbing to partisan pressures, it is crucial to maintain AI systems' commitment to factual accuracy, ethical principles, and the avoidance of harmful biases. Reliable AI should be grounded in objective truth and impartiality, not distorted by ideological agendas from any side of the political spectrum. The responsible path forward is to encourage the development of AI that upholds universal human rights, promotes inclusivity and non-discrimination, and aligns with widely accepted scientific consensus. Compromising these values in the name of political expediency risks eroding the societal benefits that AI could offer. We urge a reconsideration of this executive order and a shift towards policies that foster the ethical and equitable advancement of AI for the greater good of all citizens. Safeguarding AI from partisan influence is vital to harnessing its transformative potential while mitigating potential risks and unintended consequences.