Official announcements or progress reports from federal agencies

Biden Administration Releases First-Ever AI National Security Memorandum, Jake Sullivan Emphasizes Urgency

Oct 28, 2024, 03:17 AM

The Biden administration has released a comprehensive national security memorandum aimed at accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across federal agencies, including the Pentagon and intelligence community. This is the first-ever strategy for harnessing AI to advance national security while managing associated risks. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized the critical role of AI in national security and the need for rapid deployment to maintain the U.S. lead, stating, 'AI is the most critical technology to national security in the years ahead.' The memorandum outlines guidelines for the ethical use of AI, addressing concerns such as privacy, bias, and human rights abuses. It also highlights the private sector's role in AI development and the significant energy requirements for AI data centers, projecting a need for up to 20 gigawatts of energy in the next few years, equivalent to the energy consumption of 5 Chicagos. Sullivan also noted the necessity of building '10s or even 100s of gigawatts' of energy infrastructure to support AI advancements. The initiative aims to bolster national security and streamline operations, with a focus on leveraging AI capabilities to counter global competition, particularly from China.