White House Orders Agencies to Appoint Chief AI Officers – But What Are Other Countries Doing?
The White House made headlines this week by requiring every federal agency to name a Chief AI Officer (yes, a CAIO). Sounds big. And it is.
Now, we know this might not be the hottest thing on your feed - but when the White House talks AI? We lean in like proper headline-chasers. The US is talking about AI? That's news we can’t scroll past.
But what does it really mean?
Let’s be real. “Innovation” sounds shiny and serious. But here’s what’s actually happening:
👉 The US government is finally trying to figure out how to use AI inside government offices.
Yes - adoption, not invention.
They’re asking agencies to stop watching and start doing: use AI, manage it, and come up with a strategy.
Every agency will now have someone in charge of that - the new CAIO.
It’s not just about chatbots (though you know someone’s going to suggest it).
This is about using AI for decision-making, managing workflows, resource planning, even public services.
So… are other countries doing the same?
We had the same question. So we poked around. And surprise: everyone’s doing their own thing.
🌍 What’s Happening Around the World?
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (Dubai)Dubai’s been on the AI train for a while. In 2017 they appointed a Minister of AI (yep, not kidding).
Then in 2024, they said every department needs its own CAIO. Their focus? Efficiency, shiny dashboards, and that on-stage wow factor. Safety? Not the headline.
🇬🇧 United KingdomThe UK said, “Let’s take a breath.” They created a Parliamentary AI role focused on transparency, ethics, and making sure no one gets hurt.
They’re not in a rush. They’re in the let’s not ruin this camp. And yes - it connects directly to the AI Act.
They're not just building tools - they're putting in brakes and seat belts too.
🇪🇬 EgyptEgypt’s building the foundation.
They’ve got a National AI Council to bring people together, develop talent, and figure out how AI fits into their future.
It’s not a flashy rollout, but it’s solid groundwork.
What’s the Agenda?
Country |
Real Focus |
USA |
Use AI across government offices (finally) |
UAE |
Make every agency look AI-ready - fast |
UK |
Keep AI safe, fair, and explainable |
Egypt |
Build up national understanding and talent |
So no - not everyone’s playing the same game. Or using the same rules.
Some want speed.
Some want safety.
Some want structure.
Some want all three (good luck).
🧊 Frozen Light Perspective
We love that AI is showing up on government agendas.
But let’s say it like it is:
Most countries are still trying to figure out what AI actually does for them - not building new systems, just trying to use the ones already out there.
And how a government reacts tells you everything:
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Is this decision coming from fear?
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Or from understanding that AI is the future?
Take the UK. Their strategy is built around safety and caution - a move that connects directly to the AI Act. It’s not about speed. It’s about not messing this up for everyone else.
So yeah, appointing Chief AI Officers makes sense.
But this is where the real questions begin:
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What kind of AI should public services even use?
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Who gets to decide when it's “safe enough”?
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Will the AI help the people - or just the agency?
From our team’s perspective: governments don’t move fast. That’s not new. They’re not early adopters.
But this move shows something big - they’ve finally recognised what the business world has known for years:
AI isn’t coming. It’s already here.
And as they catch up, we ask them one thing:
👉 Don’t forget why you’re here.
Safety and regulation should come from governments - to protect the small person.
Yes, this is a bold step.
But it’s not a tech story.
It’s a leadership story.
And it should be.
Last thing - the number of countries doing this? Still pretty small. We’re waving our Frozen Light flag here and saying: We hope that list gets a whole lot longer.