Legislation that would assess terrorist organization’s use of artificial intelligence was introduced recently by U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL).
The Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act would direct the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to conduct an annual threat assessment of designated terrorist organizations and their use of AI to harm Americans or plan potential attacks. The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis.
“AI is opening up our economy and our daily lives to new worlds of possibility, but it’s naïve to think only well-intentioned Americans are using it,” Scott said. “We have enemies in all corners of the world, and they know how to use AI as well. We have the resources and the manpower to counter these threats, and we need to put them to use.”
The legislation requires DHS to make the assessment public and to brief the appropriate congressional committees within 30 days of each report’s submission. Companion legislation was introduced in the house by U.S. Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX).
“As a combat tested fighter pilot who flew missions in the Middle East, I have seen terrorism up close and how quickly threats can evolve,” Pfluger said. “Terrorist organizations are now turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to recruit, train, and incite attacks on U.S. soil. To confront this emerging threat, I introduced the Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act to direct a rigorous, coordinated assessment of AI-enabled terrorism risks. Law enforcement and the intelligence community need a comprehensive understanding of how bad actors are weaponizing AI, and this legislation ensures they have it.”
The House Committee on Homeland Security found that terrorist organizations, like ISIS and Al-Qaeda, have been using GenAI to radicalize and recruit members, and have gone as far as conducting AI workshops to train members on its use.