The U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, announced plans to create an AI task force to explore how to use AI to protect U.S. infrastructure and reinforce national security.
The Artificial Intelligence Task Force will also look into ways AI can help screen incoming cargo for illicit goods and safeguard electric grids and water supply systems.
- Specifically, the agency sees potential in using AI to help detect illegal fentanyl shipments into the U.S. and crack down on criminal drug networks.
- DHS also wants to explore using AI to help identify and locate victims of online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
- The task force will also be charged with exploring potentially harmful uses of AI and ways to defend the U.S. against them.
- Mayorkas said AI would "drastically alter the threat landscape." He said DHS will "lead in the responsible use of AI to secure the homeland" and defend "against the malicious use of this transformational technology."