DHS launches new AI playbook for public sector
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The new guidance is intended for other government organizations to use and draws on lessons learned from three internal pilot programs.
The Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday released a new playbook for public sector entities looking to deploy artificial intelligence solutions into their service operations, using a series of pilot initiatives as examples for government agencies to develop their AI policies and procedures.
Focusing on generative AI solutions, the playbook is a follow-up to the agency’s Artificial Intelligence Roadmap that promised to learn from three internal pilot programs featuring generative AI use cases in government operations, which were hosted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“Across each of these pilots, and other GenAI integrations, DHS carefully considered the risks and benefits of each of these technologies,” the playbook read. “Using GenAI and other new technology comes with risks: risks posed by adversarial use of GenAI, risks posed to GenAI systems, and risks associated with the implementation of GenAI.”
After the launch of each of the pilots, DHS officials compiled and published seven key takeaways: leveraging generative AI for mission-enhancing use cases; cultivating top leadership support and adherence to AI governance; evaluating the existing technical tools and infrastructure prior to deployment; prioritizing responsible use to address safety risks; conducting ongoing measuring and monitoring efforts; focusing on talent acquisition; and incorporating feedback from all stakeholders amid deployment.
“The rapid evolution of GenAI presents tremendous opportunities for public sector organizations,” DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a press release. “DHS is at the forefront of federal efforts to responsibly harness the potential of AI technology. This new resource draws from our own experiences to help state and local leaders adopt AI technologies in their own work.”
Alongside the pilots, DHS officials looked to other internal programming — such as the agency’s AI Safety and Security Board and its AI Corps hiring sprint — to get an accurate picture of how government offices can effectively incorporate AI tools into their existing infrastructures.
Over the course of the Biden administration, multiple agencies have debuted AI playbooks and policy guidance as part of the White House's broader focus on implementing safeguards related to AI technology usage in the federal space.
The future of federal AI policy remains somewhat of a mystery as the second Trump administration ramps up. Incoming President Donald Trump has said he will repeal President Joe Biden’s landmark executive order on AI, casting uncertainty over how AI will be used and governed in government operations.