DHS Establishes AI Advisory Board

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the creation of its Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security Board designed to oversee “safe and secure development and deployment of AI technology in our nation’s critical infrastructure.”

The Board provides recommendations on the safe deployment of AI technology in areas such as “transportation service providers, pipeline and power grid operators, and internet service providers” and helps DHS stay ahead of threats from malicious actors.

It will provide recommendations on preventing and responding to disruptions driven by AI technology. The group will also create a cross-sector forum to share threat-related information that will protect the security of critical services such as public health and safety.

Ultimately, the goal of the Board is to help ensure “the safe and responsible deployment of AI technology in these sectors in the years to come.” The first meeting took place in early May with quarterly meetings planned.

The AI Safety and Security Board consists of 22 participants from a variety of areas at the behest of President Biden. The participants include public officials, representatives from technology companies and academia, and representatives from infrastructure operators and the civil rights community.

CEOs from OpenAI, Microsoft, Alphabet, Anthropic, Nvidia, IBM, and Amazon are all part of the initial Board.

“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,” DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said.

DHS is taking measures to keep on top of the rapidly changing technology landscape since the emergence of generative AI. The inception of this Board is just the latest endeavor.

In 2023, DHS established its AI task force. Earlier this year it published its Artificial Intelligence Roadmap and announced a recruitment drive to bring on 50 experts to help the Department better leverage AI technology internally.