U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced on Friday that the agency would create a task force to figure out how to use artificial intelligence (AI) to do everything from protecting critical infrastructure to screening cargo to ferreting out products made with slave labor.
"Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that can be used to make our homeland safer," Mayorkas said in a statement. "This task force will help us identify and implement innovative ways to use AI to protect the American people and our way of life."
The task force, which will be led by the department's chief information officer, will be tasked with developing a strategy for using AI to improve the department's operations and capabilities. The task force will also be responsible for identifying and mitigating the risks associated with the use of AI.
Mayorkas's announcement comes at a time when AI is rapidly becoming more sophisticated and widely available. AI is already being used in a variety of ways to improve security, including:
- Detecting and preventing cyberattacks: AI can be used to analyze large amounts of data to identify patterns that may indicate a cyberattack.
- Screening cargo for contraband: AI can be used to scan cargo containers for illegal drugs, weapons, or other contraband.
- Identifying potential threats: AI can be used to analyze social media posts and other data to identify potential threats to public safety.
Mayorkas said that the task force will be "a critical part of our efforts to ensure that the United States remains the leader in the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence."
The task force's creation is a sign of the growing importance of AI in the field of homeland security. As AI continues to develop, it is likely that it will play an even greater role in protecting the homeland in the years to come.