Top US AI safety director resigns after three months

Chris Fall, the director of the U.S. Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI), has resigned after only three months in the position. The agency confirmed his departure to multiple news outlets. Fall was appointed in late April, following the brief tenure of Collin Burns, who reportedly left the role in less than a week. David Sacks, previously the White House AI and crypto czar, had stepped down in March.

CAISI, which operates under the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is tasked with developing technical standards and testing methods for AI models, as well as assessing cybersecurity risks. No specific reason was given for Fall's departure. His prior government experience includes serving as director of the Department of Energy’s Office of Science during the first Trump administration.

Arvind Raman, the NIST Director, will temporarily assume Fall's duties as Acting CAISI Director while the Commerce Department searches for a new permanent director with deep AI expertise. The resignation occurs amid ongoing efforts by the U.S. government to establish AI safety standards and regulations.