President Biden Unveils First National Security Memorandum on Artificial Intelligence
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President Biden has issued the first-ever National Security Memorandum (NSM) regarding AI, outlining the country’s strategic approach to the technology from a security standpoint.
The memorandum builds upon Biden’s previous executive order on AI, based on the understanding that innovative AI developments will significantly influence national security and foreign policy soon.
Experts in security indicate that the effects are already apparent. “AI is already affecting national security, as it is clear that an increasing number of attackers are employing AI to conduct more extensive and complex attacks, particularly in areas such as social engineering and misinformation,” states Melissa Ruzzi, Director of AI at AppOmni.
The NSM fundamentally sets forth three key goals: to assert US dominance in the responsible development of AI, to utilize AI technologies for the nation’s security needs, and to promote frameworks for international governance.
“Our adversaries seek to undermine US leadership in AI and have engaged in economic and technological espionage to appropriate our innovations,” the memorandum highlights, thereby elevating the safeguarding of American AI advancements to a “top-tier intelligence priority.”
The document officially identifies the AI Safety Institute as the principal governmental liaison for the AI sector. This institute will be composed of technical specialists and will work closely with national security organizations, encompassing the intelligence community, Department of Defense, and Department of Energy.
“The measures outlined in the memorandum are excellent initial steps to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape and to gather sufficient data to inform decisions, rather than relying on ambiguous assumptions,” Ruzzi shares.
Ruzzi warns that the collection of necessary data on actions is complex, and even after gathering this information, making assumptions and weighing trade-offs will be essential for making informed decisions. The real test, he notes, lies in decision-making once the data has been collected.
In a significant stride towards making AI research more accessible, the memorandum underscores its backing for the National AI Research Resource pilot programme. This initiative is designed to broaden the reach of AI research opportunities from just major technology companies to include universities, civil society organizations, and smaller enterprises.
The NSM presents the Framework to Advance AI Governance and Risk Management in National Security (PDF), which outlines detailed guidelines for integrating AI into national security efforts. These guidelines require thorough risk assessment protocols and protections against privacy breaches, bias, discrimination, and violations of human rights.
Ruzzi highlights the significance of security in this framework, stating, “The cybersecurity of AI is critical – we understand that if AI systems are improperly configured, they can introduce risks akin to those from misconfigured SaaS applications that result in the exposure of sensitive information.”
On the global stage, the memorandum expands on recent diplomatic successes, including the G7’s International Code of Conduct on AI and the agreements achieved at the Bletchley and Seoul AI Safety Summits. Importantly, 56 countries have supported the US-led Political Declaration on the Military Use of AI and Autonomy.
Furthermore, the Biden administration has achieved a diplomatic milestone with the adoption of the first UN General Assembly Resolution on AI, which received unanimous backing, including co-sponsorship from China.
The memorandum underscores the vital significance of semiconductor manufacturing in the advancement of AI, linking to Biden’s previous CHIPS Act. It outlines measures to strengthen the security and diversity of the chip supply chain, ensuring that the United States remains at the forefront of advanced computing infrastructure.
This recent initiative is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s overarching strategy for responsible innovation in the AI field, reaffirming America’s dedication to retaining technological leadership while preserving democratic values and human rights.
(Photo by Nils Huenerfuerst)
See also: EU AI Act: Early prep could give businesses competitive edge
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Tags: ai, artificial intelligence, biden, framework, government, memorandum, nsm, security, usa
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