The Nationwide Institute of Requirements and Expertise might fireplace as many as 500 staffers, in keeping with a number of studies — cuts that additional threaten a fledgling AI security group.
Axios reported this week that the US AI Security Institute (AISI) and Chips for America, each a part of NIST, could be “gutted” by layoffs concentrating on probationary workers (who’re usually of their first yr or two on the job). And Bloomberg stated a few of these workers had already been given verbal discover of upcoming terminations.
Even earlier than the most recent layoff studies, AISI’s future was wanting unsure. The institute, which is meant to review dangers and develop requirements round AI improvement, was created final yr as a part of then-President Joe Biden’s government order on AI security. President Donald Trump repealed that order on his first day again in workplace, and AISI’s director departed earlier in February.
Fortune spoke to numerous AI security and coverage organizations who all criticized the reported layoffs.
“These cuts, if confirmed, would severely affect the federal government’s capability to analysis and tackle vital AI security considerations at a time when such experience is extra important than ever,” stated Jason Inexperienced-Lowe, government director of the Middle for AI Coverage.