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The White House has issued a new memorandum to national security agencies regarding the use of artificial intelligence, aiming to enhance security capabilities and mitigate risks associated with this advanced technology. The memorandum contains clear instructions focused on monitoring, assessing, and alleviating risks related to privacy violations, discrimination, and other human rights abuses that may arise from the use of AI.
This decision comes amid the ongoing efforts of the Biden administration to maintain the United States’ leadership in artificial intelligence, particularly in the wake of increasing competition with China. According to a senior White House official, “National security agencies must embrace this technology in line with American values,” noting that failures in addressing AI could expose the U.S. to risks of “strategic surprises” from competitors such as China.
U.S. Strives to Maintain AI Leadership
These government directives are part of a broader vision to preserve the United States’ global supremacy in artificial intelligence. In recent years, significant progress has been made in this field, driven largely by substantial contributions from the private sector, especially Silicon Valley. However, there remain growing concerns about the use of this technology in sensitive areas such as national security, where AI models may produce “hallucinations” or generate inaccurate data.
According to reporting from “Defense One,” some primary concerns relate to the collection of personal data from American citizens, which could be exploited by external entities or adversaries. In this context, President Biden issued an executive order in February aimed at limiting adversaries’ access to this sensitive data.
AI and National Security Risks
The new memorandum mandates security agencies to evaluate the risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence, including concerns related to privacy violations, bias, and discrimination. Additionally, it addresses concerns regarding the safety of individuals and groups, as well as potential human rights infringements.
The new directives include guidelines on how to utilize AI in national security tasks through a clear framework. This framework aims to enable the government to effectively leverage advanced AI tools while preserving American values and ensuring national information security.
Future of AI in National Security
Despite the challenges associated with the adoption of AI technologies in security sectors, White House officials emphasize the necessity for the government to allow the national security community to “experiment” with these technologies through pilot projects. They also stress that the established framework will undergo continuous updates over time to keep pace with technological advancements.
However, these efforts may face political challenges in the future. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has pledged to revoke Biden’s executive order on AI safety if he wins the upcoming elections.
The issuance of this memorandum underscores the White House’s ongoing efforts to ensure that artificial intelligence is utilized in a responsible and effective manner to enhance U.S. national security, while upholding the country’s core values. As global technological competition accelerates, particularly with China, the United States seeks to strengthen its leadership role in artificial intelligence through policies that promote innovation while minimizing security risks.
