US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently addressed the dual role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing national security while also presenting potential risks to privacy. Speaking at the RSA Conference in San Francisco, Mayorkas explained how AI could improve the security of computer networks, protect critical infrastructure, and safeguard citizens. He also raised concerns about the potential misuse of AI by terrorists and criminals for activities like child sexual exploitation, which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is committed to preventing.
Ensuring Protection While Respecting Privacy
In response to the potential misuse of surveillance technologies and biases in AI, Mayorkas referred to the DHS’s Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, which ensures that AI deployments respect privacy while maintaining national security. DHS has also established the Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security Board and launched the AI Corps initiative, which aims to recruit 50 technology experts this year.
The board’s membership boasts an impressive roster of tech industry luminaries, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Other notable figures such as AMD CEO Lisa Su and Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins have also been invited to join. Despite some criticism regarding the board’s composition, Mayorkas, along with board member and AI advocate Rumman Chowdhury, stressed the importance of civil liberties in discussions on AI safety.
Pilot Programs Utilizing AI in Homeland Security
Highlighting DHS’s use of AI, Mayorkas outlined three pilot programs. The first employs Large Language Models (LLMs) to detect connections across different criminal investigations, thereby enhancing the department’s investigative capabilities. Another program supports communities with limited resources in applying for federal emergency and disaster relief through FEMA, promoting equitable access to these funds. A third initiative uses LLMs to train officers working with refugees and asylum seekers, helping simulate interactions with individuals who have experienced trauma.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 8:38 pm CET