White House Unveils AI Policy for Enhanced National Security

Published Date : 30/10/2024 

On October 24, 2024, the White House released a new memorandum addressing the government's use and procurement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance national security measures and foster a safer, more secure AI environment. The memorandum, titled 'Advancing U.S. Leadership in AI; Harnessing AI for National Security; and Fostering AI Safety, Security, and Trustworthiness,' includes specific directives for various government agencies. 

On October 24, 2024, the White House issued a significant memorandum aimed at enhancing the use and procurement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the realm of national security. Titled 'Advancing the United States' Leadership in Artificial Intelligence; Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Fulfill National Security Objectives; and Fostering the Safety, Security, and Trustworthiness of Artificial Intelligence,' the memorandum stems from Executive Order 14110 and includes a classified annex that addresses sensitive national security issues, including countering adversary use of AI.

Key Priorities and Directives

Attracting Global AI Talent

The memorandum directs the Departments of State (DoS), Defense (DoD), and Homeland Security (DHS) to use all available legal authorities to attract and rapidly bring technical experts in AI, particularly those with expertise in semiconductor design and production, to the United States. The Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, in collaboration with certain executive agencies, is tasked with streamlining visa applications for these individuals.

Building AI-Dedicated Infrastructure

The DoD, Department of Energy (DOE), and Intelligence Community (IC) agencies are directed to incorporate AI mission applications into the construction and renovation of their computational facilities. The Office of the White House Chief of Staff will coordinate with the DOE to streamline permitting, approvals, and incentives for AI-enabling infrastructure, including clean energy, power, and fiber lines. This directive also encourages private investment in AI and related technologies.

Protecting U.S. AI from Foreign Threats

Recognizing the value of U.S. AI-related intellectual property (IP), the memorandum directs agencies to identify critical nodes in the AI supply chain that are most susceptible to compromise and take all necessary steps to mitigate these risks. This may include requirements for government contractors to provide documentation or attestations regarding the security of their AI supply chains.

Ensuring AI Safety

The Department of Commerce, through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is tasked with developing a voluntary, unclassified pre-deployment safety testing capability for frontier AI models. This testing will assess risks related to cybersecurity, system autonomy, and personal rights and safety. NIST's AI Safety Institute (AISI) will also issue guidance on testing, evaluating, and managing risks, as well as benchmarks for assessing AI systems' capabilities and limitations. Various agencies will develop tests and evaluations to assess AI models' ability to exacerbate threats such as cyber, nuclear, and biological risks.

Enhancing AI Acquisition

The memorandum directs an IC agency working group to propose changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to improve the IC and DoD's procurement of AI for national security systems. These changes will focus on adopting objective metrics for safety, security, and trustworthiness, balancing expedited procurement with risk mitigation, simplifying proposal processes, and promoting shared use of AI across agencies. The DoD and ODNI are also encouraged to engage with the private sector to stay informed about the latest AI capabilities.

Managing AI Risk in National Security

An AI governance and risk management framework titled 'Framework to Advance AI Governance and Risk Management in National Security' will be developed. This framework, akin to OMB Memorandum M-24-10, will provide minimum cybersecurity guidance for agencies using AI in national security systems.

Creating an AI National Security Coordination Group

The Chief AI Officers (CAIO) from various national security agencies will form an AI National Security Coordination Group. This group will develop best practices for identifying and mitigating foreign intelligence risks, ensuring interoperability between agencies, and streamlining the acquisition, validation, and delivery of AI capabilities.

Key Takeaways

While the memorandum is a significant step, full implementation will take time. Companies should note the following

- Hiring non-U.S. citizens for AI roles should become easier and faster.

- Approvals and permitting for AI-enabling infrastructure will be expedited, with a focus on clean energy.

- There will be an increased focus on AI supply chain security, which may result in additional documentation requirements for contractors.

- NIST will provide risk and performance management guidelines and pre-deployment safety testing.

- Future FAR cases related to AI procurement in national security systems are expected.

Companies and contractors should stay informed and engage with relevant agencies to align with these new directives and opportunities. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):

Q: What is the main focus of the new White House memorandum on AI?

A: The main focus of the new White House memorandum is on enhancing the government's use and procurement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to bolster national security measures, including attracting global AI talent, building AI-dedicated infrastructure, and ensuring AI safety and security.

Q: How does the memorandum aim to protect U.S. AI from foreign intelligence threats?

A: The memorandum directs agencies to identify critical nodes in the AI supply chain that are most susceptible to compromise and take all necessary steps to mitigate these risks, which may include requirements for government contractors to provide documentation or attestations regarding the security of their AI supply chains.

Q: What is the role of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in this new AI policy?

A: NIST is tasked with developing a voluntary, unclassified pre-deployment safety testing capability for frontier AI models to assess risks related to cybersecurity, system autonomy, and personal rights and safety. NIST's AI Safety Institute will also issue guidance and benchmarks for assessing AI systems' capabilities and limitations.

Q: How will the government improve the acquisition of AI for national security systems?

A: The memorandum directs an IC agency working group to propose changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to improve the IC and DoD's procurement of AI for national security systems. These changes will focus on adopting objective metrics for safety, security, and trustworthiness, balancing expedited procurement with risk mitigation, and promoting shared use of AI across agencies.

Q: Who will form the AI National Security Coordination Group, and what will be its primary responsibilities?

A: The Chief AI Officers (CAIO) from various national security agencies will form the AI National Security Coordination Group. This group will develop best practices for identifying and mitigating foreign intelligence risks, ensuring interoperability between agencies, and streamlining the acquisition, validation, and delivery of AI capabilities. 

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