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Department of Homeland Security Plans to Use AI in Operations: NYT

The agency will be the first in the federal government to employ the disruptive tech.

The Department of Homeland Security will start using generative artificial intelligence across a range of its practices, The New York Times reported Monday. The $5 million plan includes the use of chatbots and other AI tools to assist the DHS in its border control and emergency management operations, and will be supported by partnerships with OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta. The tech can help investigators streamline searches for trafficking suspects, comb local data to craft disaster preparedness plans, and simulate interviews with migrants to train immigrations officials, sources from the agency told the Times. DHS secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said speed was of the utmost importance in incorporating AI. “If one isn’t forward-leaning in recognizing and being prepared to address its potential for good and its potential for harm, it will be too late and that’s why we’re moving quickly,” he said. The technology has a reputation for reproducing bias and discriminatory attitudes, which may continue to hinder the DHS’ plans. The agency said it intends to hire 50 AI experts to work on safeguards.