Department of Homeland Security forms AI Safety and Security Board

As a new means to advise the Secretary of Homeland Security and stakeholders, and promote safe development of artificial intelligence (AI), the department recently formed the AI Safety and Security Board.

Joined by more than 20 technology and critical infrastructure executives, civil rights leaders, academics and lawmakers, the board will recommend ways to assist transportation and internet service providers, pipeline and power grid operators, and others, in using AI technologies more responsibly. It will also develop recommendations related to the prevention of and preparation for AI-related disruptions to critical services. 

Under the leadership of DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the board will include 22 representatives, from AI aficionados like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to academics like Dr. Fei-Fei Li, co-director of the Stanford Human-centered Artificial Intelligence Institute, and Kathy Warden, chair, CEO and president of defense contractor Northrop Grumman. The range of stakeholders is because critical infrastructure, by DHS’ reckoning, encompasses 16 sectors of American industry, so numerous sectors need input. 

“Artificial Intelligence is a transformative technology that can advance our national interests in unprecedented ways,” Mayorkas said. ”At the same time, it presents real risks— risks that we can mitigate by adopting best practices and taking other studied, concrete actions. I am grateful that such accomplished leaders are dedicating their time and expertise to the Board to help ensure our nation’s critical infrastructure—the vital services upon which Americans rely every day—effectively guards against the risks and realizes the enormous potential of this transformative technology.” 

Each member of the board was selected by Mayorkas personally to provide cross-sector insight into pressing issues related to AI. Together, they will convene for the first time in May and undertake quarterly meetings thereafter. 

The board’s first goal will be to provide Mayorkas and the critical infrastructure community with recommendations on how to safely adopt AI among essential, daily services and to create a forum for public and private stakeholders to share and discuss AI security information.

“Ultimately AI is a tool, a potent tool, and it must be developed and applied with an understanding of how it will impact the individual, community, and society at large,” Li said. 

The new board’s formation followed an executive order from President Joe Biden last year, which called for the safe, secure and trustworthy development and use of AI. That order called for Mayorkas to create this board and support responsible development of AI, as well as to promote the adoption of AI safety standards globally.