Introduction
The National Security Memorandum (NSM) issued by the White House on October 24th represents a pivotal advancement in US policy concerning the development and governance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of national security. This memorandum builds upon previous initiatives, including President Biden’s Executive Order and the Bletchley Declaration, to establish a comprehensive framework for the safe, secure [3] [4] [6] [7], and responsible development of AI technologies, emphasizing their implications for national security and foreign policy.
Description
On October 24th [2] [4], the White House issued a National Security Memorandum (NSM) focused on advancing the safe [7], secure [3] [4] [6] [7], and trustworthy development of artificial intelligence (AI) in relation to US national security [7]. This memorandum marks a significant step in US policy regarding the development and governance of frontier AI models, defined as general-purpose systems at the cutting edge of performance [1]. It builds on President Biden’s Executive Order from October 2023 [7], which established new standards for AI safety and security [7], and the Bletchley Declaration on responsible AI development from November 2023 [7]. The initiative aligns with the Biden administration’s strategy on transformative technologies and emphasizes the implications of AI advancements for national security and foreign policy.
The NSM directs the US government to lead in the development of safe and trustworthy AI [6], ensuring that federal adoption reflects democratic values while safeguarding human rights, civil rights [6] [7], civil liberties [4] [7], and privacy [6] [7]. It establishes a comprehensive framework for integrating AI technologies within US national security systems and formalizes the US AI Safety Institute (AISI) as the primary authority for AI within the Department of Commerce, facilitating partnerships with national security agencies [6]. The memorandum highlights the critical role of private companies in AI development and sets expectations for collaboration [1], encouraging diverse contributions to AI research from a broad range of stakeholders, including those outside major firms.
In addition to providing risk management guidance for AI applications in national security missions [4], the memorandum mandates the creation of a Governance and Risk Management Framework. This framework outlines minimum-risk management practices for high-impact AI [4], including pre-deployment risk assessments [4], accountability mechanisms [1] [4] [6], and transparency requirements, addressing concerns such as privacy invasions [6], bias [5], discrimination [5] [6], and potential human rights abuses [5]. It emphasizes AI safety and security to facilitate faster adoption of AI systems [1], providing clear guidelines on prohibited use cases and approval processes for high-risk applications [1].
The NSM seeks to influence global AI norms [4], building on recent progress in international AI governance [6], including the development of an International Code of Conduct on AI and a Political Declaration on the Military Use of AI [6]. The US government is directed to collaborate with allies to establish a governance framework that adheres to international law and protects human rights [6], reflecting the administration’s commitment to managing the risks and opportunities presented by AI technology [6].
Furthermore, the memorandum addresses the need for robust governance frameworks for AI use in national security, designating chief AI officers and creating an AI National Security Coordination Group to ensure accountability and oversight [1]. It emphasizes the importance of building energy and data center infrastructure to support AI development and acknowledges limitations in executive authority concerning budgeting and regulation [1], stressing the need for coordination with Congress and state governments [1].
Counterintelligence efforts are a key focus [1], aiming to protect AI infrastructure and intellectual property from espionage [1], particularly in light of recent cyber-attacks on AI companies [1]. The NSM promotes the adoption of advanced AI capabilities to meet national security needs while safeguarding US research and development from foreign exploitation. Export controls have been implemented to restrict competitors from accessing specialized AI chip technology [2], and the CHIPS Act supports domestic semiconductor production [2], with efforts directed at attracting talent for semiconductor design and production [2].
The implementation of the memorandum may be influenced by the upcoming US presidential election [1], with potential policy continuity or significant changes depending on the outcome [1]. Certain provisions may align with previous policy positions [1], suggesting that some aspects could be retained regardless of electoral changes [1]. In the short term [2], the NSM encourages the national security establishment to explore innovative AI applications while addressing procurement challenges [2], signaling a long-term commitment to developing military AI capabilities responsibly [2], in alignment with democratic values and international law [2]. Additionally, the memorandum outlines steps for agencies to manage AI’s national security risks and benefits [3], addressing chip supply chains and supporting developers in securing their innovations [3], while underscoring the importance of data as a barrier to AI implementation. The national security community is also implementing a process for accrediting AI systems to further reduce AI-related risks in government applications, acknowledging the challenges posed by AI tools, including their potential to generate inaccuracies and false positives [5], as well as concerns regarding the inclusion of personal information about US civilians in training data.
In response to the NSM, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to enhance AI research efforts and collaborate with other federal departments to establish common standards and norms for AI usage [7]. The DHS is committed to working with critical infrastructure partners [7], the technology industry [7], NGOs [7], and government entities to develop best practices for the secure development and deployment of AI in essential services [7].
Conclusion
The National Security Memorandum signifies a comprehensive approach to integrating AI into US national security frameworks, emphasizing safety [1] [3] [5] [6], security [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7], and international collaboration [2]. By establishing guidelines and frameworks for AI governance, the memorandum aims to position the US as a leader in responsible AI development, balancing innovation with the protection of democratic values and human rights. The potential impact of this initiative extends beyond national borders, influencing global AI norms and fostering international cooperation in AI governance.
References
[1] https://www.csis.org/analysis/biden-administrations-national-security-memorandum-ai-explained
[2] https://cset.georgetown.edu/article/the-national-security-memorandum-on-artificial-intelligence-cset-experts-react/
[3] https://fedscoop.com/biden-to-release-ai-national-security-memo/
[4] https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/the-month-in-5-bytes-november-2024-3722177/
[5] https://www.defenseone.com/policy/2024/10/white-house-signs-national-security-memo-ai/400512/
[6] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/10/24/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-outlines-coordinated-approach-to-harness-power-of-ai-for-u-s-national-security/
[7] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/white-house-ai-national-security/
