US Military, Intelligence Ordered to Adopt AI for National Security

Published Date : 25/10/2024 

The Pentagon and U.S. intelligence agencies are under new orders to more rapidly adopt and deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure national security and maintain technological leadership. 

The Pentagon and U.S. intelligence agencies have been given new marching orders to more quickly embrace and deploy artificial intelligence (AI) as a critical component of national security. President Joe Biden signed this directive as part of a new national security memorandum on Thursday. The primary goal is to ensure the United States remains a leader in AI technology while also preventing the misuse of AI by adversaries like China.

The memorandum, which refers to AI as an 'era-defining technology,' outlines guidelines designed to prevent the use of AI from harming civil liberties or human rights. A senior administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, highlighted that the new rules are intended to ensure that national security agencies adopt these technologies in ways that align with American values. The official emphasized that failing to adopt AI more quickly could put the U.S. at risk of a strategic surprise from rivals.

'Because countries like China recognize similar opportunities to modernize and revolutionize their own military and intelligence capabilities using artificial intelligence, it is particularly imperative that we accelerate our national security community's adoption and use of cutting-edge AI,' the official stated.

However, some civil liberties advocates are concerned that the new guidelines lack sufficient safeguards. Patrick Toomey, deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s National Security Project, commented, 'Despite acknowledging the considerable risks of AI, this policy does not go nearly far enough to protect us from dangerous and unaccountable AI systems. National security agencies must not be left to police themselves as they increasingly subject people in the United States to powerful new technologies.'

These new guidelines build on an executive order issued last year that directed all U.S. government agencies to craft policies for how they intend to use AI. The memo also addresses issues that could hinder the rapid incorporation of AI into national security systems. It calls for actions to protect the supply chains that produce advanced computer chips critical for AI systems and to combat economic espionage that could allow U.S. adversaries or non-U.S. companies to steal critical innovations.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, speaking at the National Defense University in Washington, underscored the importance of getting AI right. 'There is probably no other technology that will be more critical to our national security in the years ahead,' he said. 'The stakes are high. If we don't act more intentionally to seize our advantages and deploy AI more quickly and comprehensively to strengthen our national security, we risk squandering our hard-earned lead.'

Despite the focus on U.S. interests, the memo also directs officials to work with allies and international bodies to create a stable framework for the global use of AI technologies. 'A big part of the national security memorandum is actually setting out some basic principles,' Sullivan explained, citing ongoing talks with the G-7 and AI-related resolutions at the United Nations. 'We need to ensure that people around the world are able to seize the benefits and mitigate the risks,' he added.

In summary, the new directive aims to enhance U.S. national security through the rapid and responsible adoption of AI, while also fostering international cooperation to address the global implications of this technology. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):

Q: What is the new national security memorandum about?

A: The new national security memorandum, signed by President Joe Biden, orders the Pentagon and U.S. intelligence agencies to more quickly adopt and deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance national security and maintain technological leadership.

Q: Why is AI referred to as an 'era-defining technology'?

A: AI is called an 'era-defining technology' because of its potential to revolutionize various fields, including military and intelligence operations, and its critical role in shaping the future of national security and global technology leadership.

Q: What concerns do civil liberties advocates have about the new guidelines?

A: Civil liberties advocates are concerned that the new guidelines lack sufficient safeguards to protect against the misuse of AI, potentially leading to dangerous and unaccountable AI systems that could infringe on civil liberties and human rights.

Q: What actions does the memo call for to protect supply chains and combat economic espionage?

A: The memo calls for actions to protect the supply chains that produce advanced computer chips critical for AI systems and to combat economic espionage that could allow U.S. adversaries or non-U.S. companies to steal critical innovations.

Q: How does the memorandum address international cooperation on AI?

A: The memorandum directs officials to work with allies and international bodies, such as the G-7 and the United Nations, to create a stable framework for the global use of AI technologies, ensuring that people around the world can benefit from AI while mitigating its risks. 

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