In January, right before President Biden took office, the Food and Drug Administration proposed permanently exempting “software as a medical device” from regulatory review. The agency waived the approval process last year to streamline regulatory oversight during the Covid emergency. But the growing use of artificial intelligence programs and digital devices in health care raises safety and ethical concerns that require more attention. The Biden administration put the proposal on hold for now. Meanwhile, bioethicists should weigh in as the FDA reviews its action plan.

Science has replaced populism in the White House. For the first time, the president's science advisor will be elevated to cabinet rank. There are other good omens, as well.

The creation of humanlike intelligence in a nonbiological being would be the greatest achievement in human history. Many experts believe this will happen within decades. What role should, or could, regulatory bodies play?