The federal government has already taken several actions on AI, chiefly Biden’s October 2023 executive order. Congress is processing more than 100 bills related to AI, and some federal agencies like the Department of Labor, the Department of Commerce, and the General Services Administration are looking to the technology for its potential to improve services.
The NSM builds on the federal government’s work to help the nation advance AI while managing risks, by directing the government to take action to ensure three key things: that the U.S. leads in the development of safe AI; that it leverages AI technologies to advance the national security mission; and that it advances international AI governance.
For the first objective, the NSM directs specific actions to improve security in chip supply chains so that emerging technologies are developed with an eye on AI. The NSM deems competitors’ operations against the U.S. AI sector a top-tier priority, calling on specific government entities to provide AI developers with cybersecurity information. It also designates the AI Safety Institute as the industry’s primary contact in the U.S. government.
For the second objective, the NSM states AI systems must service the national security mission in alignment with democratic values. It calls for the creation of a Framework to Advance AI Governance and Risk Management in National Security, which was published this week.
And for the third objective, the NSM calls on the U.S. government to collaborate with allies and partners to create a governance framework so that AI developments comply with international law.
“The fundamental premise is that AI will have significant implications for national security,” National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard said in a statement. “The AI NSM sets out goals to enable the U.S. government to harness cutting-edge AI technologies, and to advance international consensus and governance around AI.”
Brainard commended the NSM for addressing the potential benefits and risks of AI related to national security, noting the federal government is expected to take additional actions on AI in the coming months.
Information Technology Industry Council President Jason Oxman touted the memorandum as a way to ensure the U.S. remains a leader on AI innovation, in a statement.
“As implementation of the memorandum begins, we urge policymakers to leverage industry’s expertise and ensure collaboration with the tech sector remains a top priority,” Oxman said.
The Center for Security and Emerging Technology has also offered insights on, and reactions to, the NSM. In a statement, Senior Fellow Emelia Probasco underlined that U.S. companies are on the front line of AI development: “The NSM makes clear that the government sees AI companies as a strategic asset that should be protected; otherwise, it could stand to lose the technical, economic, and military advantage these companies enable.”
Some industry stakeholders argued there is more work to be done. U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner, who chairs the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued a statement of gratification for the new NSM, but urged the Biden administration to work with Congress to clarify strategy “to engage the private sector on national security risks directed at AI systems across the AI supply chain.”
