Artificial Intelligence: Federal Efforts Guided by Requirements and Advisory Groups
Fast Facts
Artificial intelligence is a rapidly advancing technology that could substantially improve how government agencies operate. But AI technologies also pose risks.
Various AI-related requirements from federal laws, executive orders, and guidance have steered federal agencies' efforts to use AI. This includes the AI in Government Act of 2020 and the Advancing American AI Act.
We found 10 executive branch oversight groups that have a role in federal AI use. We also found 94 AI-related government-wide requirements. For example, agencies must develop and publicly release an AI strategy.
Highlights
What GAO Found
Federal laws, executive orders (EO), and related guidance include various artificial intelligence (AI)-related requirements for agencies. Federal offices and agencies are charged with adhering to AI-related requirements. GAO identified 94 AI-related requirements that were government-wide or had government-wide implications (e.g., the General Services Administration is required to create an AI Center of Excellence which affects the entire federal government). See figure for a summary of the requirements.
Summary of Artficial Intelligence (AI) Requirements Identified in Federal Laws, Executive Orders, and Guidance, as of July 2025
Ten executive branch oversight and advisory groups have a role in the implementation and oversight of AI in the federal government, including the National AI Advisory Committee and National AI Initiative Office.
Why GAO Did This Study
AI holds substantial promise for improving the operations of government agencies. This report describes (1) federal agencies’ current AI-related requirements in law, executive orders, and guidance; and (2) the roles and responsibilities of AI oversight and advisory groups.
To address the first objective, GAO identified agency requirements regarding the implementation of AI in federal laws, EOs, and guidance. GAO selected requirements that (1) were current (i.e., those with ongoing or forthcoming deliverables) and (2) were government-wide in scope or had government-wide implications.
To address the second objective, GAO reviewed laws and EOs to identify federal AI oversight and advisory groups. GAO also reviewed laws, EOs, agency documentation, and organization charters to identify and describe the roles and responsibilities of these AI oversight and advisory groups.
For more information, contact Kevin Walsh at walshk@gao.gov.