DHS aims to take the lead in battle against ‘adversarial’ AI

The Department of Homeland Security, led by DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, is utilizing artificial intelligence in various agency operations. AI systems are being used in border patrol efforts, combating drug trafficking, creating age progression estimations of missing children, and processing reports. The speed and predictive capabilities of AI algorithms are key features that enable DHS to make faster, more effective decisions and identify anomalies. However, DHS is also aware of the nefarious threats posed by the lack of regulation and ongoing innovation in the field, and is working to mitigate these risks. Following new global guidance for AI development and deployment, DHS is pushing for a secure-by-design software development philosophy and emphasizing the importance of improving the public’s digital literacy and forging new public-private sector collaborations.