The United States government has asked companies operating in the artificial intelligence industry for advice on how to use advanced technology to protect utilities, airlines, and other critical infrastructure from hacker attacks applying AI.
The Department of Homeland Security on Friday, April 26, announced that a special commission will be created to consider the mentioned issue, which will include the heads of some of the largest companies in the world. The corresponding list already includes Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. It has also been officially confirmed that the commission will consist of the heads of defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman and air carrier Delta Air Lines.
This initiative is an example of cooperation between the United States Government and the private sector. Currently, Washington, within the framework of the concept of preventive response, seeks to eliminate the risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence. It is worth noting that so far in the United States there is no national law regulating the process of introducing and distributing AI.
The Department of Homeland Security reported that a group of experts will make recommendations on methods of responsible use of artificial intelligence for telecommunications companies, pipeline operators, electric utilities, and other organizations. This group will also provide algorithms for actions in case of failures related to AI.
Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas says that artificial intelligence is a transformative technology that can advance US national interests in unprecedented ways. At the same time, he noted that the use of AI implies risks that can be mitigated by implementing the best practices of applying advanced technology.
Deepfake audio and video materials have become a serious problem for officials who seek to ensure a high level of protection for the upcoming presidential elections in the United States from falsification and the spread of narratives designed to scale disinformation. In January, a fake robocall imitating the manner of speech of US President Joe Biden urged Democrats not to vote in the New Hampshire primaries. After this incident, officials responsible for election security expressed significant concern about the practice of using artificial intelligence to generate content intended for various manipulations and deception. Moreover, there are concerns that countries that are currently on bad terms with the United States will begin to apply AI to achieve their political goals during the November election campaign. Alejandro Mayorkas on Friday, while talking to reporters, said that the mentioned risk is real.
It is also worth noting that artificial intelligence can be used not only against the national security system as a large-scale functionality structure. AI can also be applied to implement fraudulent actions. Criminals have access to advanced technology. Against this background, the personal awareness of users is extremely important. For example, an Internet search query such as how to know if my camera is hacked will allow anyone to find out about signs of unauthorized access to the device. This information will assist users in not losing money and not becoming a victim of compromise.
