The Trump administration has officially rebranded the AI Safety Institute as the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI), marking a significant shift in focus.

This new institute will adopt a light-touch regulatory approach, contrasting sharply with the previous Biden administration's policies that emphasized safety.

CAISI will prioritize national security risks over general safety concerns, as highlighted by the recent renaming by the US Department of Commerce.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced this change, emphasizing the need for national security standards while promoting rapid technology development.

The rebranding aims to foster international coordination and innovation in AI technologies while still assessing safety risks.

CAISI will establish voluntary agreements with private AI developers and focus on demonstrable risks, including cybersecurity, biosecurity, and chemical weapons.

The institute will continue to develop guidance and best practices for AI security, collaborating with industry on voluntary standards and evaluating AI models for potential risks.

In line with this new direction, a Republican budget bill proposes a 10-year moratorium on state-level AI regulations, which has faced some opposition.

This rebranding aligns with President Trump's broader strategy to reshape federal approaches to AI, including the repeal of former President Biden's executive order on AI safety.

Originally established in 2023 by President Biden, the AI Safety Institute focused on evaluating AI risks, but its functions will largely continue under CAISI.

Despite the reorganization, there are concerns about continuity as CAISI will still operate under the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), maintaining many of the original institute's functions.

This shift reflects a broader pro-innovation mindset and aims for a more optimistic global stance on AI, contrasting with the previous administration's approach.