Two significant executive orders aimed at reshaping AI infrastructure and strengthening cybersecurity have been signed in the final days of the Biden Administration.
In the final days of the Biden Administration, two significant executive orders were signed that could shape the future of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) in the United States. The first, issued on January 14, 2025, is known as the “Executive Order on Advancing United States Leadership in Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure,” while the second, issued just two days later on January 16, 2025, is titled “Executive Order on Strengthening and Promoting Innovation in the Nation’s Cybersecurity.” Both orders have thus far escaped the comprehensive revocation of over 78 executive orders initiated by President Trump on the first day of his presidency.
The AI Infrastructure Order represents a shift in focus compared to its predecessor, the “2023 AI Order,” which aimed primarily at the cautious development and application of AI technologies. In a statement accompanying the AI Infrastructure Order, President Biden articulated that the new measure was designed to facilitate a national infrastructure that supports the long-term growth of the AI sector, stating that it aims to “protect national security, enhance competitiveness, power AI with clean energy, enhance AI safety, keep prices low for consumers, demonstrate responsible ways to scale new technologies, and promote a competitive AI ecosystem.”
Key initiatives laid out in the AI Infrastructure Order include leasing federal properties owned by the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Energy (DoE) for the establishment of large-scale AI data centres, promoting the deployment of new clean energy sources to support AI infrastructure, and prioritising the rapid permitting process for these infrastructures. Moreover, the order seeks to ensure the interconnection of AI systems to the electric grid and advocate for international partnerships in developing AI infrastructure.
The 2025 Cybersecurity Order builds upon efforts initiated during Biden’s 2021 “Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity” order. It highlights the need for enhanced security measures in light of ongoing threats, particularly from the People’s Republic of China, which is described as a major threat to U.S. networks. Noteworthy provisions include the enhancement of the existing sanctions framework, which aims to target individuals and entities engaged in cyber-attacks, including those involved with ransomware.
This order also mandates enhanced cybersecurity measures for federal systems, the development of AI-based tools for cyber defence, and the establishment of a public/private partnership aimed at utilising AI to bolster the security of the nation’s energy infrastructure. Moreover, it includes directives for improved inter-agency collaboration on cyber-criminal activity through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
Despite the ambitious frameworks outlined in both orders, their future under the forthcoming Trump administration remains uncertain. Whether these initiatives will be embraced, modified, or rescinded could significantly impact the trajectory of AI development and cybersecurity efforts in the United States.
The ongoing situation surrounding these executive orders is noteworthy, particularly given their implications for national security and economic competitiveness. As analysts and industry experts monitor the developments in this rapidly evolving domain, the possibility that the Trump administration may maintain the orders in some capacity could signal a continued prioritisation of AI infrastructure and cybersecurity on the federal agenda.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/sourcingatmorganlewis/2025/01/president-bidens-executive-order-accelerating-ai-infrastructure-development-on-federal-lands – This URL supports the claim about President Biden’s Executive Order on AI infrastructure, focusing on developing AI data centers on federal lands and promoting clean energy.
- https://www.globalpolicywatch.com/2025/01/blog-post-biden-administration-releases-executive-order-on-ai-infrastructure/ – This URL corroborates the details of the AI Infrastructure Order, including its goals and the involvement of federal departments in leasing sites for AI infrastructure.
- https://www.winston.com/en/insights-news/bidens-executive-order-on-advancing-united-states-leadership-in-ai-infrastructure – This URL provides additional information on the AI Infrastructure Order, emphasizing its focus on clean energy and security standards.
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/executive-orders/ – This URL could provide access to the official text of the Executive Orders issued by President Biden, including those related to AI and cybersecurity.
- https://www.cisa.gov/ – This URL relates to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which is involved in inter-agency collaboration on cyber-criminal activity as mentioned in the Cybersecurity Order.
- https://www.energy.gov/ – This URL is relevant to the Department of Energy’s role in identifying and leasing federal sites for AI infrastructure.
- https://www.defense.gov/ – This URL pertains to the Department of Defense’s involvement in leasing federal properties for AI data centers.
- https://www.doi.gov/ – This URL is related to the Department of the Interior’s role in identifying federal sites suitable for clean energy facilities.
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/05/12/executive-order-on-improving-the-nations-cybersecurity/ – This URL provides information on the 2021 Executive Order on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity, which is referenced in the context of enhanced security measures.
- https://www.noahwire.com – This URL is the source of the original article discussing the executive orders on AI and cybersecurity.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative references recent executive orders from January 2025, indicating that the information is current and not recycled from older sources.
Quotes check
Score:
5
Notes:
There are no direct quotes in the narrative that could be verified against earlier sources.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from JD Supra, a legal news platform known for providing updates on legal developments, though it may not be as widely recognized as major news outlets like BBC or Reuters.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about executive orders and their implications are plausible given the context of ongoing cybersecurity and AI developments. However, the future of these initiatives under a new administration remains uncertain.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be fresh and relevant, discussing recent executive orders. While there are no direct quotes to verify, the source is generally reliable for legal news. The plausibility of the claims is high, though their future under a new administration is uncertain.
