Washington, D.C., 25th October 2024 – President Joe Biden has issued the United States’ inaugural National Security Memorandum (NSM) focused on artificial intelligence (AI), setting the strategic direction for how the country integrates this transformative technology into its national security framework.
Building on earlier executive actions, the NSM underscores the critical role that advancements in AI will play in shaping national security and foreign policy in the coming years. The memorandum highlights the urgency of establishing robust frameworks for safe AI development, protection of American innovations, and international cooperation in AI governance.
“AI is already reshaping the landscape of national security,” said Melissa Ruzzi, Director of AI at AppOmni. “We’re seeing a rise in AI-driven attacks, especially in the areas of social engineering and misinformation, which makes the need for a strategic response even more pressing.”
Key Objectives: Leadership, Security, and Global Cooperation
The memorandum outlines three core goals: ensuring US leadership in safe AI development, leveraging AI for national security, and creating international frameworks for AI governance. These efforts aim to safeguard the US’s technological edge amid intensifying global competition.
“Our competitors are aiming to undermine US leadership in AI through economic and technological espionage,” the memorandum warns, underscoring the priority of safeguarding American AI advancements.
Central to the NSM is the designation of the AI Safety Institute as the key point of contact between the AI industry and the federal government. This institute, staffed by technical experts, will collaborate closely with key national security agencies, including the Department of Defense, the intelligence community, and the Department of Energy.
Gathering Data, Making Decisions
Ruzzi praises the NSM’s emphasis on data-driven decision-making, noting that the outlined actions will help the government get a clearer understanding of the current AI landscape. “The steps outlined in the memorandum are crucial to collecting data and making informed decisions rather than relying on assumptions,” she said. However, she cautioned that gathering such data is complex, and even with the information at hand, balancing competing priorities will pose significant challenges.
Expanding Access to AI Research
In an effort to democratise AI development, the memorandum also bolsters the National AI Research Resource pilot programme. This initiative seeks to make AI research resources accessible beyond the tech giants, extending opportunities to universities, small businesses, and civil society organisations. The goal is to foster a more inclusive AI ecosystem that benefits from diverse perspectives and innovation.
New Guidelines for AI Use in National Security
As part of its strategic approach, the NSM introduces the Framework to Advance AI Governance and Risk Management in National Security. This document provides detailed guidelines for the responsible deployment of AI within national security contexts, emphasising the importance of rigorous risk assessments and protections against privacy breaches, bias, and potential human rights violations.
Security remains a top priority, with Ruzzi highlighting the importance of safeguarding AI systems from vulnerabilities: “Cybersecurity for AI systems is as vital as it is for traditional software. Misconfigured AI could expose sensitive data, just as we’ve seen with some SaaS application misconfigurations.”
Strengthening International AI Collaboration
The memorandum aligns with recent global agreements on AI governance, building on achievements such as the G7’s International Code of Conduct on AI and commitments from the Bletchley and Seoul AI Safety Summits. It highlights the support of 56 countries for the US-led Political Declaration on the Military Use of AI and Autonomy, showcasing growing international consensus on the need for ethical AI use.
In a significant diplomatic win, the Biden administration also secured unanimous backing for the first UN General Assembly resolution on AI, with co-sponsorship from China, marking a step forward in establishing global norms for AI.
Focus on Chip Security and Technological Infrastructure
Recognising the critical role of semiconductor manufacturing in AI advancement, the memorandum ties in with the earlier CHIPS Act, focusing on bolstering the security and diversity of the semiconductor supply chain. This move aims to ensure American dominance in high-performance computing and AI infrastructure, which are essential for maintaining the country’s competitive edge.
A Broader Vision for Responsible AI Innovation
This latest directive is a key component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s comprehensive approach to fostering responsible AI innovation. It underscores America’s determination to lead in the AI sector while staying true to democratic values and the protection of human rights. Through the NSM, the administration aims to balance the need for technological advancement with a commitment to ethical standards, positioning the US as a global leader in the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
