U.S. President Donald Trump and executives from leading artificial intelligence companies have agreed to voluntary safety standards for AI systems, while backing continued investment in data centers across the country.

The agreement, reached during a White House meeting on September 29, calls for AI companies to strengthen internal safety controls and work with independent auditors to assess whether their systems are operating as intended. Companies also agreed to establish board-level oversight of safety reviews and take steps to prevent AI systems from accessing technical systems in unintended ways.

The pact comes amid growing concerns about advanced AI systems and reports of AI agents interacting with or attempting to access external computer systems during testing. The agreement is voluntary rather than legally binding, with its framework relying largely on company-led controls and independent reviews.

Trump also reiterated his support for rapid data center development, arguing that the facilities are important to the growth of AI and the wider U.S. economy. Data center projects have faced opposition in some communities over electricity demand, infrastructure costs and other local impacts. Trump said technology companies should provide greater benefits to communities hosting the facilities.
Leave a comment