House Artificial Intelligence for National Security Act seeks A.I. cybersecurity programs to bolster DoD security

In a nod to evolving needs, fears, and digital capabilities, United States Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the Artificial Intelligence for National Security Act (H.R. 1718) this week, pushing for A.I. enabled cybersecurity programs to increase security on Department of Defense (DoD) computer systems.

“Every day, America’s adversaries use automated systems powered by artificial intelligence in their attempts to break through America’s cyber-defenses and gain access to sensitive information and critical infrastructure, including networks and digital infrastructure at the Department of Defense,” Obernolte said. “It’s critical that we ensure the DOD has the ability to deploy AI technology to automatically detect and address threats to its networks and digital infrastructure, and that ability is currently unclear in statute.”

The clarity concern arose over current law, which does not specifically address whether the DoD can acquire A.I.-based endpoint security tools to improve the cyber defense of their systems. H.R. 1718 would therefore move to clarify and codify some of this, granting DoD the explicit authority to use A.I. defensively and utilize new commercial technologies to invest in its cyber capabilities for prevention, response, and recovery.

“As malicious cyber-attacks grow in frequency, intensity, and sophistication, we need to ensure that our U.S. military has the tools needed to identify malign behavior and quickly protect our cyber infrastructure,” Panetta said. “This legislation ensures that the Department of Defense is able to leverage rapidly advancing artificial intelligence technology to respond to these kinds of cyber-attacks and keep pace with the capabilities of our geo-political rivals. AI is increasingly central to modern, strategic warfare, and the United States needs to be prepared with a robust digital defense to meet these evolving national security challenges.”

With that in mind, the bill will also promote parallel advancement of A.I. – pushing the DoD to develop defensive efforts at pace with offensive A.I. development and deployment threatening it with cyberattacks.