The Department of Homeland Security is recruiting dozens of artificial intelligence experts for an “AI force” that will harness the blossoming technology to advance national security goals, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said. It was announced on Tuesday.
Mayorkas said the 50 experts will join DHS’ efforts to use AI in a variety of efforts, including combating fentanyl distribution, online child exploitation and cyberattacks. He announced the creation of the AI Corps at an event in Mountain View, Calif., with DHS Chief Information Officer Eric Heisen, as the House of Representatives unsuccessfully tried to impeach him.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday made a mass hiring of 50 artificial intelligence experts as the House moves forward with its desperate impeachment charge against him. (Getty Images)
“As artificial intelligence becomes ever more powerful and accessible, governments must ensure their continued ability to leverage this technology responsibly, protect it from malicious use, and advance critical homeland security. We need the support and expertise of our nation’s leading AI experts to secure our mission,” Mayorkas said in a statement.
DHS, which established an AI task force last year, is already using the technology to support its mission. For example, Customs and Border Protection is using machine learning models to track suspicious vehicles and passengers at the southern border, resulting in 240 drug seizures, including fentanyl, DHS said.
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The Department of Homeland Security announced an effort to hire AI experts to help leverage rapidly evolving technology into the agency’s efforts, including combating fentanyl distribution. (St. Petersburg)
AI Corps will carry out larger-scale efforts while ensuring “the safe and secure use of AI,” DHS said. This is part of a government-wide effort under an executive order President Biden issued in October to establish AI standards that protect Americans from national security risks and ensure their effective use within government. It’s also part of it.
Supporter of Executive Order It says this is the first step toward regulating AI and protecting the public from potential online harm. But critics, including a coalition of 20 state attorneys general, argue that the executive order centralizes government control over emerging technology and leads to potential censorship.
![Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas seeks AI talent](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/02/1200/675/mayorkas-AI.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
The Department of Homeland Security is leveraging AI in efforts that have already proven successful, including its mission to track and interdict fentanyl shipments. (Getty Images)
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Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes previously told Fox News: “While there is serious debate about the best approach to regulating AI, one thing is clear: the Biden administration will simply circumvent Congress’s authority. This means that we cannot act accordingly.” “Any regulations must not only protect against government censorship, but also include only authorized administrative actions and be consistent with the Constitution.”
DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.