White House releases first national security memo on AI use

The White House has issued its inaugural national security memorandum outlining guidelines for the military and intelligence agencies regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

A shortened version of the memo has also been shared with the public in a move to enhance transparency.

The memorandum sets forth a series of directives aimed at regulating AI’s integration into the daily operations of military and intelligence agencies.

Key deadlines are established for these agencies to study the applications and regulations surrounding AI tools, with many deadlines coinciding with the conclusion of President Biden’s term.

Notably, the memo seeks to mitigate “the most dystopian possibilities,” such as the development of autonomous weapons, according to *The New York Times*.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan announced the directive during a speech at the National Defense University, emphasizing the importance of addressing both the benefits and risks of AI technology.

Sullivan highlighted concerns about China’s use of AI for population control and misinformation, expressing hopes that the memo will foster discussions with other nations grappling with their own AI strategies.

The memorandum places stringent restrictions on AI’s application, particularly concerning weapons systems. It explicitly states that AI cannot be used as a decision-maker for launching nuclear weapons or for determining asylum status for immigrants entering the United States.

Furthermore, it prohibits the use of AI for tracking individuals based on race or religion, as well as for identifying suspects as known terrorists without human oversight.

Additionally, the memo emphasizes the need to protect private-sector advancements in AI, labelling them as “national assets” vulnerable to espionage and theft by foreign adversaries.

It mandates that intelligence agencies assist private companies in securing their AI projects and provide them with updated intelligence reports to safeguard their technological assets.