President Biden has issued the United States’ first National Security Memorandum (NSM) on artificial intelligence, a landmark initiative focused on ensuring the responsible and secure development of AI technology in alignment with national security interests. This NSM expands upon the president’s earlier executive order on AI and reflects the administration’s commitment to maintaining the U.S.’s competitive edge while navigating the potential risks and rewards of this transformative technology.
Addressing National Security Risks with AI
With AI increasingly influencing national security, the memorandum highlights the growing need for robust policies. AI applications can both bolster and threaten national security, as adversarial use of AI escalates in areas such as social engineering and misinformation. Melissa Ruzzi, Director of AI at AppOmni, notes, “AI is already creating challenges for national security with its role in complex, high-volume attacks, particularly in the realm of misinformation.”
Key Objectives of the AI Memorandum
At its core, the NSM sets three ambitious objectives: to solidify U.S. leadership in safe AI development, harness AI technologies for national security, and establish frameworks for global AI governance. The memorandum emphasizes protecting American AI innovations as a “top-tier intelligence priority,” underscoring the need to guard against intellectual property theft and other forms of economic espionage.
AI Safety Institute: A New Authority in AI Security
The memorandum designates the AI Safety Institute as the primary interface between the AI industry and the U.S. government. This institute will collaborate with critical national security agencies such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy. With a focus on technical expertise, it aims to lead in safeguarding the nation’s AI infrastructure and overseeing the deployment of AI in national security contexts.
Democratizing AI Research for Broader Innovation
To broaden access to AI research, the memorandum supports the National AI Research Resource pilot program, which aims to level the playing field by extending AI research opportunities to universities, civil society organizations, and small businesses. This initiative seeks to democratize AI advancements, diversifying the research community beyond the tech giants.
A Framework for Safe and Ethical AI Use in National Security
The NSM introduces a comprehensive “Framework to Advance AI Governance and Risk Management in National Security,” a set of guidelines aimed at ensuring AI deployment in national security respects privacy, prevents discrimination, and avoids bias. The framework calls for rigorous risk assessment and cybersecurity measures, with Ruzzi emphasizing, “Cybersecurity in AI is crucial—misconfigurations can expose sensitive data, just as with SaaS applications.”
Diplomatic Milestones: Global Cooperation on AI Governance
On the international stage, the memorandum builds upon recent diplomatic agreements, including the G7’s International Code of Conduct on AI and endorsements from 56 countries for the U.S.-led declaration on the military use of AI. It also celebrates the U.N. General Assembly’s unanimous support for the first AI resolution, co-sponsored by China—an unprecedented step toward global AI governance.
Strengthening the AI Supply Chain
Recognizing the importance of hardware in AI development, the memorandum reinforces the semiconductor initiatives under the CHIPS Act, addressing chip supply chain security and strengthening U.S. infrastructure for AI advancements.
This memorandum is a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader strategy to foster responsible innovation while ensuring U.S. technological leadership. As AI’s influence on national and global security continues to grow, this policy underscores the importance of ethical AI governance that aligns with democratic values and human rights.
Sources: https://www.artificialintelligence-news.com/news/president-biden-issues-first-national-security-memorandum-ai/, https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-white-house
