It’s been a little over 270 days since U.S. President Joe Biden issued Executive Order (EO) 14110, titled “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence.” This landmark directive ensures that the United States remains at the forefront of AI innovation while addressing the associated risks. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken significant strides in this direction, adhering to principles that prioritize civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy, and enhancing its engagement with affected communities.
One of the major developments includes a new AI pilot conducted by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). This pilot aimed to identify and combat vulnerabilities in critical U.S. government software, systems, and networks using AI capabilities. The study explored whether AI-enhanced vulnerability detection tools are more effective than traditional methods. The findings revealed that AI tools currently serve best as supplements to existing tools rather than replacements. CISA plans to continue monitoring and testing AI tools to maintain state-of-the-art vulnerability detection capabilities.
In addition to domestic efforts, DHS has developed an AI International Engagement Plan to collaborate with international allies and partners, including Canada, Mexico, the European Union, and Five Eyes partners. This strategy focuses on cybersecurity and transnational infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of sharing lessons learned, threat information, and identifying collaborative opportunities and risks. The engagement plan supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s AI contact group of nations and other multilateral efforts, aiming to enhance collective security against AI-related threats.
DHS has also made significant progress in building its AI workforce. The department’s “AI Corps” hiring sprint has successfully onboarded the first cohort of 15 AI experts from both the private and public sectors. These experts are crucial in leveraging AI across DHS’s mission areas, including supply chain resilience, test and evaluation requirements for AI systems, and combating criminal networks. The AI Corps is part of a broader initiative to hire 50 AI experts, enhancing service delivery while safeguarding privacy and civil liberties. Additionally, the DHS Office of Partnership and Engagement (OPE) has hired a Senior Director for Artificial Intelligence to further AI engagement across sectors.
Another key initiative is the establishment of the AI Safety and Security Board (AISSB), directed by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. This board includes leaders from AI industries, critical infrastructure, and civil rights organizations, providing guidance on the safe and secure development of AI. The AISSB held its inaugural meeting in May 2024 and has since been working on developing guidance and standards to improve AI safety and security across the ecosystem. The deployment of secure AI is seen as essential for building consumer trust and fueling innovation.
DHS has also taken steps to ensure that civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy are protected in AI adoption. The DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), in collaboration with the DHS Privacy Office, leads efforts to provide guidance, risk assessment, and oversight for AI projects. In March 2024, DHS launched the AI Roadmap, which outlines plans to test AI technologies that benefit the public and enhance homeland security while protecting individual rights.
Engagement with various stakeholders has been a priority for DHS. The department has met with 16 groups, including community-based organizations, civil-rights groups, academic institutions, and industry representatives, to discuss the AI Roadmap and its commitment to responsible AI use. Secretary Mayorkas emphasized the importance of continued partnerships and engagement with civil society to ensure the responsible deployment of AI.
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