That last directive is proving controversial even among some AI enthusiasts.

Spence Purnell and Adam Thierer, of the R Street Institute think tank, warn about the practicality of certifying AI products as ideologically or politically impartial.

“Neutrality and fairness in technological systems are worthy goals, but they do not translate into concrete, easily enforced public policies,” they write in an analysis.

They also raise possible First Amendment worries. “Government efforts to police ‘fair’ speech in AI systems — even through procurement processes — could raise some free speech concerns if done over-aggressively,” they continue.