US Forms AI Safety Committee with Top Tech Leaders

On April 26, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security established an advisory group to explore how to safeguard critical infrastructure such as power grids and airports from threats associated with artificial intelligence (AI). The panel includes prominent figures in technology, including NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai.

In addition to tech leaders, the committee includes executives from Delta Air Lines, Northrop Grumman, and Occidental Petroleum. Other members include Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, and two civil rights organization leaders.

Last October, President Biden signed an executive order on AI that established this committee. Its mission is to develop recommendations to protect national and economic security, as well as public health, from the potential impacts of AI. Experts have identified a range of potential security threats from emerging AI technologies, such as drones, biochemical weapons, and cyberattacks on critical computer systems.

The Department of Homeland Security indicated that government defenses could include using AI to combat AI. The committee will provide recommendations to help stakeholders in critical infrastructure, such as transportation service providers, pipeline and grid operators, and network service providers, to use AI technology responsibly.