A small U.S. government center that assesses the safety of advanced artificial intelligence systems has stopped publishing research and was recently asked to report informally to a White House office, according to The Associated Press. The arrangement has raised questions about how independently the government will evaluate AI systems that could affect cybersecurity, privacy, civil rights and public safety.
CAISSI loses public role
The Center for Advancing Innovation and Standards for Super Intelligence, known as CAISSI, is an independent Commerce Department division responsible for assessing the safety of new AI offerings, AP reported.
The center has no permanent director. Its previous director was hired and fired within days in April, while a replacement later resigned. CAISSI also has stopped releasing public reports on AI safety, prompting questions from members of Congress since August.
White House reporting draws concern
Against that backdrop, two former government officials told AP that CAISSI staff were recently asked to report informally to a White House office. The officials spoke anonymously because they feared consequences for current employees. The White House did not answer AP’s specific questions about the arrangement.
Critics said closer White House control could make technical findings more vulnerable to political pressure or influence from the technology industry. Others said a direct connection to the administration could bring the center more prominence and funding. AP reported that CAISSI receives about $10 million a year.
AI oversight remains unsettled
The reporting change comes as AI companies develop systems that can act without human prompting. These agents may plan and carry out several actions in the real world, but there is still no standard process for testing how safely they act, AP reported.
President Donald Trump has encouraged leading AI companies to rely on internal and outside reviews through a voluntary safety pact. The administration has not explained how it will check those companies’ commitments. CAISSI’s future, including whether it will regain a permanent leader or resume public reporting, remains unclear.
References
- Burke, G. (2026, November 8). Staff at the US center for AI safety are reporting to the White House, raising independence concerns. The Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/d3318eb2cf011df53e9ddb3e03d25f13